STD Testing For Minors

The only way to know your STD status is by getting tested. For minors, the difficulty and embarrassment that comes with getting a parent’s permission can prevent the minor from getting tested. This promotes the spread of STDs and bad sexual practices. For this reason, we are the only STD testing service to allow 16 and 17 year olds access to safe, accurate, and completely confidential STD testing without parental consent.

Why should minors have access to STD testing without parental consent

Studies have shown that high school students will go without needed healthcare to avoid having an uncomfortable conversation with their parents. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Guttmacher Institute, information is available about the negative effects of requiring parental consent for STD testing, including the assertion that minors who are “infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and those who abuse drugs or alcohol or suffer from emotional or psychological problems may avoid seeking care if they must involve their parents.” This is why we give minors access to our FDA-approved / cleared, convenient, and confidential STD testing.

Does HIPAA apply to minors seeking STD testing?

Yes. The provisions of the The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) state that every individual has the right to control who has access to their personal health information. According to the Guttmacher Institute, in the case of minors and STD testing,
HIPAA applies “when the minor has the right to consent to health care and has consented, such as when a minor has consented to treatment of an STD under a state minor consent law.” We abide by the HIPAA Privacy Rule, so your information stays safe and your results remain private.