Clarifying parent and guardian access to minor child's medical records

SB 164 (West Virginia, 2025) clarifies that parents and legal guardians of unemancipated minors can access their child's medical records without needing a court order, unless a court specifically prohibits it. The bill directly affects parents, guardians, and medical providers by prohibiting providers from requiring minors to sign consent forms to allow parental access. Key provisions include requiring medical providers to give paper copies within three days at no cost upon request, and banning electronic access barriers like minor-signed consents. This bill updates existing law to prevent medical providers from creating unnecessary hurdles for parents seeking their minor child's health information.