CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE

We are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all patient information while providing comprehensive, age-appropriate care. Your medical information is kept confidential and will only be shared with your healthcare team, insurance providers as necessary for billing purposes, and others as required by law or with your written permission. 

For patients under 18, parents/guardians generally have access to their child's medical information, though as adolescents mature, certain healthcare services (such as reproductive health, mental health, and substance use treatment) may be provided confidentially in accordance with New Jersey state law. We may disclose information without consent in certain limited circumstances, including when there is risk of serious harm to self or others, suspected abuse or neglect, or as required by law for reportable conditions. We encourage open communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers, and we are always available to discuss any questions or concerns about our confidentiality practices.

ADOLESCENT HEALTHCARE AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE POLICY:

Private Conversations During Well or Sick Visits

• Foundation Pediatrics will offer private conversations with adolescent patients during routine well visits and sick visits
• Per American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, this practice typically begins around age 12, though there is no specific age mandated by New Jersey law
• Parents/guardians will be asked to step out of the exam room for part of each visit to allow confidential discussion between provider and adolescent
• Parents/guardians will be informed of this policy when their child reaches adolescence
• After the private portion, parents/guardians will be invited back to discuss general findings and recommendations, while respecting adolescent confidentiality
• Private examination without parent/guardian present will be offered to adolescent patients, with appropriate chaperoning per practice policy

NEW JERSEY CONSENT AND DISCLOSURE FRAMEWORK

To ensure the safety and proper care of our pediatric patients, Foundation Pediatrics requires a valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) from a parent or legal guardian at the first visit for all new patients. This helps verify guardianship, prevent insurance fraud, and maintain accurate medical records. In cases where a legal guardian is not present, appropriate documentation (e.g., custody agreement or notarized consent) may be required.

At Foundation Pediatrics, we follow the immunization schedules recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC. We require all patients to receive recommended vaccines, with exceptions only for documented medical contraindications.
This policy reflects our commitment to evidence-based medicine and protects vulnerable patients in our practice. We welcome discussions about vaccine concerns and are committed to partnering with families through education and transparent communication. To ensure the health and safety of our patients and community. Our minimum requirements are: 

• DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): 3 doses by age 1, 1 booster by age 2.
• Prevnar 20 (Pneumococcal): 3 doses by age 1, 1 booster by age 2.
• HIB (Haemophilus Influenza B): 3 doses by age 1, 1 booster by age 2.
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 1 dose by age 2.
• New Patients: Those joining after age 1 must complete required vaccines within 6 months.

We respect parental concerns but believe not vaccinating puts children at risk for serious diseases and compromises community immunity.

There is no charge for the release of medical records to another care provider; and there is no charge for a copy of your child’s immunization records. If you transfer care from Foundation Pediatrics to another doctor for any reason and later want to re-establish care, you may do so by calling the office to schedule an appointment.