Confidentiality in Adolescent STD Services

Legal and Ethical Framework

• Adolescents in the United States can consent to the confidential diagnosis and treatment of STDs without parental consent or knowledge, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, 2
• Providers should follow policies that comply with state laws to ensure confidentiality of STD-related services, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2

Best Practices for Providers

• The style and content of counseling should be adapted for adolescents, with discussions appropriate to the patient's developmental level, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2

Important Caveats and Exceptions

• If there is suspicion of sexual abuse, different reporting requirements apply, and healthcare providers are mandated to report suspected child abuse in all states, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3, 4
• The identification of an STI in a child may prompt an investigation of possible abuse, particularly for certain infections that are highly associated with sexual contact, and providers should follow mandatory reporting requirements for their state, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 3

Practical Approach

• Document in the medical record that results were provided directly to the patient in accordance with confidentiality laws for adolescent STD services, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2