20/11/2025
🩺 Understanding Access to Your Child’s Medical Records
We understand that parents and guardians want to stay informed about their child’s care. However, German law and federal regulations require us to follow specific rules when it comes to releasing medical information about minors.
Here are a few common questions to help explain what this means for families:
Q: Can I access my child’s medical records?
A: In most cases, yes. Parents or legal guardians can request their child’s medical records when they have the legal right to consent to that child’s medical care.
Q: Are there times when my child must give consent before I can see their records?
A: Yes. Law allow minors to consent to certain types of medical care on their own — such as treatment related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy, or childbirth. When a minor gives their own consent for treatment, those records are considered private under state and federal law, and the child’s consent is required before those records can be released.
Q: What if we live in Germany but receive care off base?
A: Because care is provided in Germany, German law applies. This means the same consent and privacy rules outlined under German law are followed for all patients treated here.
Q: Why is this law in place?
A: These protections are meant to balance parental involvement with a young person’s right to confidential healthcare in specific, sensitive situations. It ensures that minors can seek necessary care safely and responsibly when permitted by law.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: The federal rule is found in the DoD Manual 6025.18, paragraph 3.2(b)(2)(a), and DoD Policy and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998-COPPA.
If you have questions about your child’s medical records or how consent laws apply to your situation, our Patient Administration Division (PAD) team can help guide you through the process.
📞 Contact: DSN 314-590-1618 or comm 06371-9464-1618
U.S. Army Health Clinic Stuttgart
Protecting patient privacy. Supporting family care.