41-1-403. Release of information by health professional. (1) Except with regard to an emancipated minor, a health professional may inform the parent, custodian, or guardian of a minor in the circumstances enumerated in 41-1-402 of any treatment given or needed when:

(a) in the judgment of the health professional, severe complications are present or anticipated;

(b) major surgery or prolonged hospitalization is needed;

(c) failure to inform the parent, parents, or legal guardian would seriously jeopardize the safety and health of the minor patient, younger siblings, or the public;

(d) informing them would benefit the minor's physical and mental health and family harmony; or

(e) the health professional or health care facility providing treatment desires a third-party commitment to pay for services rendered or to be rendered.

(2) Notification or disclosure to the parent, parents, or legal guardian by the health professional may not constitute libel or slander, a violation of the right of privacy, a violation of the rule of privileged communication, or any other legal basis of liability. If the minor is found not to be pregnant or not afflicted with a sexually transmitted disease or not suffering from drug abuse or substance abuse, including alcohol, then information with respect to any appointment, examination, test, or other health procedure may not be given to the parent, parents, or legal guardian, if they have not already been informed as permitted in this part, without the consent of the minor.

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 189, L. 1969; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 312, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 69-6102; amd. Sec. 15, Ch. 440, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 396, L. 2003.