When a US Army recruiter requests records for a 17-year-old patient with valid authorization, what is the appropriate action?

In the context of healthcare records, when a request for a minor's records is made, even with valid authorization, it is essential to verify the requirements regarding consent and authorization. In the case of a 17-year-old patient, the law generally requires that a parent or legal guardian provide the authorization, as minors are often not considered to have the legal capacity to authorize the release of their own medical records.

Giving access to records without appropriate consent could violate privacy laws and regulations, such as HIPAA. The requirement for parental or guardian authorization remains critical regardless of the age of the patient being close to adulthood. Thus, rejecting the request based on the need for parent or legal guardian authorization is aligned with maintaining compliance with these legal protections for minors' health information. This ensures that the privacy and rights of the minor patient are respected, adhering to relevant regulations.