Dickinson College
Student Health Services

MEDICAL CONFIDENTIALITY LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Information for parents

In the State of Pennsylvania, if a patient is 18 years of age, or has graduated from high school, he or she is considered an adult regarding medical care. The laws are strict regarding medical confidentiality. Medical information cannot be released without the written consent of the patient. The law does allow, and in some cases requires confidentially be broken if the patient is a danger to himself or herself or others. If the patient is taken to the emergency room, in most cases the emergency room physician will contact parents with the patient’s permission.

If you feel it is important to have information regarding the medical care your son or daughter receives, we recommend you communicate directly with your son or daughter and ask him/her, to sign a Consent for Release of Medical Information form during their appointment.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us meet our legal obligation to our young adult patients. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Health Center at 717-245-1835 or e-mail health @dickinson.edu.

You may also view our statement addressing federal medical confidentiality regulations called HIPAA by linking to HIPAA Medical Confidentiality.