What is MyChart proxy access?
Access to a MyChart account that is not your own is called “proxy access.” The MyChart account information that a proxy can access depends on the account holder’s age.
- Child Proxy (Age 11 and under): Proxy can access health information until the child’s 12th birthday when access automatically changes to Adolescent Proxy.
- Adolescent Proxy (Age 12 through 17): Proxy can access limited health information until the adolescent’s 18th birthday when access automatically ends.
- Adult Proxy (Age 18 and older): Proxy can access health information until the adult removes access or dies.
| What can a proxy do? | Child Proxy | Adolescent Proxy | Adult Proxy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Message care team | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Request prescription renewal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| View upcoming and past appointments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Request new appointments | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| View lab and test results | ✓ |
| ✓ |
| View medications and current health issues | ✓ |
| ✓ |
| View allergies and growth charts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| View immunization history | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| View medical, surgical, social and family history | ✓ |
| ✓ |
More about adolescent proxy access
Adolescent proxy access means that after your child turns 12, you will not be able to view sections of your child’s electronic health record that could include protected health information. We understand that this transition might be scary, so here are some resources to help you and your loved ones navigate these changes.
Adolescent privacy laws protect certain health topics and limit what MaineHealth can share with parents and guardians. Under Maine and New Hampshire law, a minor is legally allowed to consent to treatment for:
- Abuse of alcohol or drugs
- Emotional or psychological problems
- Sexual and reproductive health
Those treatment records are considered protected health information subject to adult confidentiality laws.
With adolescent proxy access you will still be able to:
- Schedule, view and manage appointments for care not covered by adolescent privacy laws
- Read visit notes and after-visit summaries for care not covered by adolescent privacy laws
- View immunization history
- Send messages to your child’s care team about medical care not covered by adolescent privacy laws
| In MyChart, you will not be able to: | Here’s what you can do instead: |
| See their health history, current health problems, and medications | For health history, call the provider's office. |
| Refill a medication by using the medication list | To refill a medication, send your child’s provider a message or call the office. |
| View test results (except COVID-19) | Your child’s provider will be in touch with test results not protected by privacy laws. |
This is a great opportunity for your child to start learning about how to be more independent and take responsibility for their health. Here are some ways that you can help:
- Communicate openly: Discuss medical appointments, lab results, and general health questions with your child. Talk about what information you’ll need to stay informed and ask them to share information with which they are comfortable.
- Respect privacy: Let your child know that you are available to talk about sensitive topics when they are ready.
- Stay involved in their care: If you have questions about your child’s care, you can still call and message your child’s provider offices. You can also continue to participate in their visits (to the extent that your child is comfortable).
- Talk to your child’s provider: If your child has an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) that affects their ability to make decisions, talk to your child’s provider about alternatives to this type of proxy access.
We know that these changes might feel a little scary or frustrating. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to discuss them with your child's provider during their next visit.