PHX Reporter

House Republicans in Arizona are advancing legislation to support parental rights. The House Health & Human Services Committee has approved HB2126, a bill sponsored by State Representative and House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby. This legislation aims to ensure that parents can access their minor child's medical records through online portals or equivalent healthcare platforms.

"Parents should never be locked out of their child’s medical information," said Representative Willoughby. "I’ve spoken with parents who have been shut out of the very systems they need to manage their child’s care — systems that make it easier to schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, and communicate with doctors. This bill guarantees that parents have equal access to the same platforms that their children use, so they can fulfill their role in overseeing their child’s health and well-being."

While Arizona law already allows parents access to their child's medical records, the increasing shift towards digital healthcare delivery has left some parents unable to obtain this information online. HB2126 addresses this by mandating healthcare entities provide parental access to online medical record systems while maintaining necessary confidentiality. The bill reinforces Arizona's existing parents' bill of rights, supporting informed parental decision-making regarding children's healthcare.

"We are taking action to uphold the rights of parents and ensure they aren’t sidelined in their children’s healthcare decisions," added Representative Willoughby. "HB2126 will help make sure that healthcare providers honor the rights of parents while complying with existing confidentiality laws."

The bill aligns with House Republicans' focus on defending parental rights, ensuring medical freedom, and opposing government overreach. HB2126 progresses through the legislative process, aiming to strengthen parental access to essential medical information for children.

Julie Willoughby represents Legislative District 13 in Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives. She also serves as the House Majority Whip.

Information from this article can be found here.