Indiana § 16-39-2-9 - Exercise of patient's rights by others; equal access to records; fees

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 16-39-2-9 — Exercise of patient's rights by others; equal access to records; fees, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16-39-2-9. Exercise of patient's rights by others; equal access to records; fees

Sec. 9. (a) For the purposes of this chapter, the following persons are entitled to exercise the patient's rights on the patient's behalf:

(1) If the patient is a minor, the parent, guardian, or other court appointed representative of the patient.

(2) If the provider determines that the patient is incapable of giving or withholding consent, the patient's guardian, a court appointed representative of the patient, a person possessing a health care power of attorney under IC 30-5-5-16 for the patient, or the patient's health care representative under IC 16-36-1-7 or IC 16-36-7.

(b) A custodial parent and a noncustodial parent of a child have equal access to the child's mental health records unless:

(1) a court has issued an order that limits the noncustodial parent's access to the child's mental health records; and

(2) the provider has received a copy of the court order or has actual knowledge of the court order.

If the provider incurs an additional expense by allowing a parent equal access to a child's mental health records, the provider may require the parent requesting the equal access to pay a fee under IC 16-39-9 to cover the cost of the additional expense.

[Pre-1993 Recodification Citation: 16-4-8-3.1(i).]

As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.4-1997, SEC.7; P.L.50-2021, SEC.64.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 16-39-2-9

What does Indiana Code § 16-39-2-9 cover?

Section 16-39-2-9 ("Exercise of patient's rights by others; equal access to records; fees") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 16-39-2-9?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 16-39-2-9" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 16-39-2-9 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.