I am a dental provider in NH. My office is being placed in a difficult position and I am unable to find a definitive answer to my problem. I hope you can help. We have a family that is divorced. Dad is remarried with a new wife. Mom and Dad share custody of three children. Mom does not want us to share any medicial/dental information with the step Mom, only with the Dad. Dad and step Mom bring kids to their appts. on occasion and Dad allows Step-Mom to make follow up appts. for the kids. Dad also invites step-Mom into the operatory with him to review kids health history and review needed treatment. Legally what are our responsibilities. Step-Mom also carries the secondary dental insurance for the kids and will be receiving the Explaination of Benefits from the insurance company. Can we stop the step-Mother from making appts. or calling about insurance issues with regard to the kids? Do we have to stop the step-Mom from entering the opertory with Dad? Do we have to ask the step-Mom to step out when discussing anything with the Dad? I have checked the laws in NH and I can't find anythng that addresses the step-parents and their right to know if Dad allows this to happen. I need help as the Mom is threatening to sue us if we don't follow what she wants. Mom has little bit knowledge of the law to make her an expert and is not forthcoming with any documentation on what is considered law in NH.
Thanks for your help!
Susan