<p>I am in medicine and we are talking about two things.</p>
<p>HIPPA forms (or notice of privacy protection) are just forms patients sign acknowledging they have read and understand and accept the notice of privacy they receive. Patients can (and often do) sign separate forms stating who doctors and nurses may speak to about their health care.</p>
<p>I work with adolescents. Between 13-17 kids have a legal right to privacy for reproductive health, drug, alcohol and mental health issues. Other run of the mill stuff is not private from legal guardians. Over 18 the patient can sign a waiver and allow medical staff to share information with family but may explicitly stipulate no sex, drugs, mental health information be released.</p>
<p>This is a huge issue in my office, which I deal with daily. </p>
<p>Emergencies are totally different. AND if a kid gives verbal consent or is physically present and allows you in the room s/he is assumed to have given consent.</p>