I will probably contact my lawyer again. This question goes out to all those who take care of children. It is shocking how many biological parents end up hating each other and making many of their decisions based on that. It really makes it difficult. A few issues are:
1. Don't tell theo ther parent anything
2. Don't give out records to the other parent
3. A parent demanding or asking that they be called when an appointment is made
4. A parent calling to ask what occurred at the visit that day and can you explain what the out come was.
(#4 happens even in non-confrontational situations and even when both parents are living together and happy -- it's understandable, yet annoying to talk to the other parent at the end of the day and relive the appointment) Another example that you can compare to an attorney. An attorney would gladly talk to a parent for 15 minutes at $250 per hour).
So, my main question is what is everyone's criteria for when another parent is allowed to have information, records, etc. We have always felt that if parent had partial custody and there were no court order stating otherwise, that each parent had rights to information about the patient. Does that mean that a father left home at six months for 10 years and never had any contact have a right to ask for a copy of the records, etc.?
I won't get anymore specific. This came up because a mother who is in court proceedings currently over custody called and just WENT OFF on my receptionist, because we gave a copy of the records to the bio dad.
Of course, no matter what the outcome, the rudeness is another issue that needs to be dealt with, but I don't think I will at this time until I know where I stand legally.
Generally, we just want some type of written documentation in the chart from the court stating a parent has full custody and/or the other parent has no right to medical records, etc.
The whole situation is sad, and all of us who take care of children, deal with it all too often.
