Across Ohio, families and providers alike are running into real barriers when it comes to accessing children’s medical information. Supportive parents are locked out of their child’s electronic records due to the way some systems have interpreted privacy laws—leaving them unable to view results, pay bills, or manage care. It’s a legitimate issue that deserves a clear and thoughtful fix. 

Unfortunately, HB 162, otherwise known as “My Child, My Chart,” goes much further than just attempting to address these issues. It undermines the limited protections young people have to seek confidential mental health care when they’re in crisis. Introduced by Rep. Gary Click, this bill would functionally eliminate the limited exception in Ohio law that allows minors to receive help when they’re experiencing a mental health crisis without parental consent or access to records related to their care. Instead of simply improving communication between parents and providers, it puts our most vulnerable children at risk. 

There are currently eight limited, and often tragic, circumstances under Ohio law when minors may receive healthcare without parental consent—circumstances involving things like court-ordered abortion, STI testing, drug treatment, or voluntary mental health treatment for a minor in crisis. 

HB 162 would require healthcare providers to annually inform parents that, unless their child consents, they won’t have access to the kinds of records outlined above. It also requires minors to be annually offered the opportunity to provide general, ongoing consent for parents to be able to access those records. For children in supportive homes, little will change—but, for children in coercive or controlling homes, parents will be presented with the opportunity to force them to sign away their lifeline to confidential care.

The mental health crisis exception exists for a reason. Under Section 5122.04 of the Ohio Revised Code, minors 14 and older can voluntarily seek and consent to outpatient mental health services without parental consent for a short period. This law strikes a careful balance: it ensures young people in crisis can reach out for help when they’re afraid, while still requiring eventual parental involvement. 

Children are not our property. Our kids are individuals who, like every one of us, deserve the chance to speak honestly with qualified healthcare professionals without fear of punishment or retribution. And we aren’t talking about toddlers here. We are talking about kids over the age of 14, who may have a valid reason to need that privacy. Moreover, doctors and mental health providers are already mandated reporters—we trust them every day to recognize when a child is in danger and to act accordingly. What providers need is the ability to provide care safely and confidentially when it matters most. 

By empowering coercive and controlling parents to get access to sensitive records, this bill erases an existing balance. It strips away critical lifelines for young people experiencing depression, anxiety, abuse, or fear of rejection, including LGBTQ+ kids, and any young person who may be in harm’s way at home. 

Equality Ohio is particularly concerned that HB 162 could forcibly out young people to unsupportive parents, or drive them to avoid seeking care altogether. No child should have to choose between safety and support.

Ohio families deserve to see their tax dollars prioritized and invested in the things that strengthen all communities, not wasted on policies that make it harder for our children to get help when they need it most. 

We know what works:

• Good jobs that pay a fair, living wage
• Safe schools where every child can learn and belong
• Decent prices on gas and groceries
• Solid roads and infrastructure that connect our communities
• Fair, accessible healthcare that respects privacy, dignity, and human decency

As this bill moves through the Senate, Ohioans can stay informed and engaged. You can follow this issue with us as it develops in the Senate over the coming weeks and months. If you’re a parent, talk with your kids, empower them to feel confident in their whole unique selves—and support them whole heartedly. 

Equality Ohio will keep you updated on what’s happening, what’s at stake, and how you can help protect both family access and youth safety. 

Media Contact: 

MD Sitzes | Communications Manager | media@equalityohio.org

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