Principles for Health Information Technology to Support and Protect Adolescent Confidentiality: Policy Statement

Confidentiality protection in health care fosters patient-physician trust and encourages the disclosure of sensitive health information. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, respecting adolescent confidentiality for certain health information, when appropriate, is imperative for the well-being of adolescents. However, challenges to establishing confidentiality in health information technology include limited technological capabilities and varying state laws. There is a need for guidance on how to promote confidentiality for sensitive electronic health information while remaining compliant with federal rules on information sharing. This policy statement reviews the current challenges and provides guiding principles and recommendations for electronic health record developers, informaticists, clinicians, and policy makers on how to create an environment that promotes trust through the protection of confidentiality for adolescent patients.