Final answer:
Healthcare records for minors are typically kept until they reach adulthood plus additional years as required by law or facility policy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Records for minor patients are usually kept until the patient reaches the age of majority plus a certain number of years, often dictated by state law or the specific healthcare facility's policy. When treating minors in a healthcare setting, professionals face the complex balance between maintaining patient confidentiality and the legal and ethical responsibilities to the minor's guardians.
This can increase the risk of untreated infections and poor sexual health management. Yet, parents often feel entitled to know about their child's wellbeing, creating a dilemma. In the United States, the exact regulations and practices can vary by state, but generally, healthcare providers attempt to encourage open communication between adolescents and their parents while respecting the minor's request for confidentiality in certain situations.