An adult child usually cannot request a living parent's cognitive-test results without the parent's written authorization or legal authority to make health-care decisions. The parent can sign a request directing the provider to send the records to the child. "Cognitive-test results" may include a cognitive-assessment or neuropsychological report, scores, interpretations, and related clinical notes. HIPAA is the federal health-privacy law that governs access for covered providers.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- Who Can Request the Records?
- What Should the Request Include?
- How to Submit the Request
- What Can the Parent or Representative Expect?
- What If the Parent Has Died?
Who Can Request the Records?
A competent parent can authorize access by signing a written request that names the child and states where the provider should send the information. The request can direct the provider to send a copy to the child directly, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS explains how a patient can direct records to a family member.
An adult child does not automatically become entitled to a living parent's records simply because of the family relationship. Access generally requires one of these arrangements: A health-care agent or guardian acts as the parent's HIPAA personal representative only within the authority granted by state law. The provider may ask for a copy of the power of attorney, guardianship order, or other proof, as HHS explains. HHS describes personal representatives under HIPAA.
- The parent signs a written authorization.
- The child has health-care power of attorney.
- The child is a court-appointed guardian with relevant authority.
What Should the Request Include?
Address the request to the clinic, hospital, psychologist, neuropsychologist, or other provider that holds the records. Ask specifically for the cognitive or neuropsychological evaluation report, test scores, interpretations, and records used to make clinical decisions. A provider may organize these materials under different names. HIPAA generally covers the provider's "designated record set," meaning records used to make decisions about the patient, rather than guaranteeing one particular document title.
HHS guidance says this can include assessment reports and clinical notes, but not separately maintained psychotherapy notes. HHS explains what records patients can access. The request should identify the parent, the requesting person, the provider, the records sought, and the delivery destination. If the parent is authorizing the child, the parent should sign and date the request and clearly name the child as the recipient.
How to Submit the Request
Use the provider's release-of-information or medical-records process when available. A short request might say: The provider may require a written request and reasonable identity verification.
It cannot use its process to create unreasonable barriers or delays, according to HHS access guidance. Ask whether the provider accepts electronic delivery, requires a particular form, or needs proof of legal authority.
- "Please provide my cognitive or neuropsychological evaluation report, scores, interpretations, and related clinical notes used in my care."
- "Please send these records to [child's name] at [mailing address, email, or other approved destination]."
- "I authorize [provider] to release these records to [child's name]."
- Include the parent's signature and the date.
What Can the Parent or Representative Expect?
A covered provider ordinarily must act within 30 calendar days. It may take one additional 30-day extension only if it provides written notice during the initial period. The provider may charge only a reasonable, cost-based copying fee, according to HHS. HHS outlines access deadlines, verification, and fees.
Receiving the results does not necessarily mean receiving every testing material. The American Psychological Association distinguishes releasable test data—such as results, reports, raw data, and scores—from secure materials such as test manuals, test items, and scoring keys. The American Psychological Association explains access to psychological test data. If the provider sends only part of what was requested, compare the response with the request. A report may be available even when secure test booklets or proprietary scoring materials are not.
What If the Parent Has Died?
After a parent's death, an executor, administrator, or another person authorized under state law to act for the estate can exercise HIPAA access rights for 50 years after death. A family caregiver without that authority may receive relevant information only at the provider's discretion, unless the parent had objected.
HHS explains access to a deceased person's health information. The provider may therefore request estate documents or other proof of authority before releasing the records. The exact documents depend on the person's role and applicable state law.
