Patient Confidentiality - what happens when they are 16?

My son has high functioning autism. He is currently 15 years old, he was diagnosed after a long fight at 12 years old.

Today I booked a GP appointment to discuss his skin picking activity. I wanted to discuss the skin picking with the doctor without him being there as I was worried it was self-harming and I don't like talking about him in front of him. When I checked it was ok for me to make the appointment in his name, the receptionist pointed out that if he was 16 they would be bound by patient confidentiality and I would not be able to attend on his behalf.

In less than 10 months time he will be 16. He will not be able to independently attend a doctors, hospital, dentist appointment and successfullly discuss any condition he may have. He will however be bound by the rules of patient confidentiality. I am looking for help and suggestions to avoid a potential problem in the future.

Thank you

Debbie

longman over 11 years ago

Muddled isn't it. It is the same with post-compulsory education. The contract is between the student and the college/university. So parents cannot readily find out if their child is coping because the tutors aren't supposed to say.
There is supposed to be a way around this, in that the student can sign a consent form alllowing parents to be informed, but you still get situations where teachers have to get the head's, dean's or other figurehead's approval for disclosure even when a consent form has been signed.
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IntenseWorld over 11 years ago

This website might have something:
http://www.seeability.org/eyecare_hub/carersandsupportersinfo/healthy_eyes/consent_to_medical_treatment.aspx
and this:
http://www.nmc-uk.org/Nurses-and-midwives/Regulation-in-practice/Regulation-in-Practice-Topics/consent/
And how does the GP think that some adults with ASD need to live in supported accommodation, have care workers or are legally classed as disabled if they are the same as neurotypical people of the same age!
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IntenseWorld over 11 years ago

It's funny how they are still children when it comes to accessing education though isn't it!
What about bringing your son with you telling him to inform the GP that he gives permission for you to discuss his healthcare and handing over a note saying the same and then asking him to wait in the waiting room whilst you do so?
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