Consent & Confidentiality
This chart summarizes all the situations in which a minor may consent on her own to health care in California and provides related information on confidentiality. (Updated 2024)
The California Chapter of the Compendium
This document provides an overview of the laws that impact access to health care for minors in California. (Updated 2024)
Using the California Caregiver Consent Affidavit
This document provides an overview of California’s Caregiver Authorization Affidavit and how it may be used by non-relative and relative “sponsors” of unaccompanied immigrant youth to consent to certain kinds of medical care and school enrollment. (2018)
A Minor’s Constitutional Right to Abortion in California
An in-depth explanation of the constitutionally-protected right of California minors to consent to abortion and to keep their reproductive information confidential. (2006)
Child Abuse Reporting
When Sexual Intercourse is Deemed Child Abuse - Chart (English) (Spanish)
In California, healthcare practitioners are mandated to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse. This comprehensive chart explains when sexual intercourse with a minor is reportable as child abuse. (Updated 2017)
Mandated Reporting Rules for Healthcare Providers under CANRA
This document summarizes key parts of the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) reporting requirements so that mandated reporters in the health field can understand their obligations. (Updated 2020)
Telehealth Services and Mandated Reporting under CANRA
This document addresses mandated reporting rules when providing telemedicine, teletherapy or tele-education. (2020)
School Health
HIPAA or FERPA? A Primer on Sharing School Health Information in California, 2nd ed.
This resource, originally created by the National Center for Youth Law for the California School-Based Health Alliance (formerly CSHCA), and now updated in 2018, provides essential information for navigating the interactions of HIPAA and FERPA in school health programs, including school health centers, school-based mental health programs, school nursing services, and other health services delivered on school campuses. (Updated 2018)
Confidential Medical Release – Frequently Asked Questions from Schools and Districts
A document examining common questions about confidential medical release and students leaving school during the school day for confidential medical appointments. (2015)
Youth in the Foster and Juvenile Justice Systems
Consent to Treatment for Youth in Juvenile Justice - Chart
This chart summarizes who may consent for a minor’s health care by custody, placement and type of services. (Updated 2018).
Consent to Treatment for Foster Youth - Chart
This chart summarizes who may consent for a minor’s health care by custody, placement and type of services. (Updates 2020).
Reproductive Health Equity Project for Foster Youth
The Reproductive Health Equity Project for Foster Youth brings together youth in foster care and the agencies that serve them to promote systems that normalize, support, and promote the bodily autonomy and healthy sexual development of youth in foster care. The website contains a wealth of resources on legal rights and health care access for youth in the foster system
Sharing Information about Youth in the Foster System - Health, Mental Health, Education, Substance Use and Agency Case Files
A series of four briefings published by the Judicial Council of California that summarize the laws that control the confidentiality and disclosure of information about youth in the foster system.