Can Priest request medical records?

Can Priest request medical records?

Last night my Fiance and I went to meet with our priest so that we can sign up for pre cana. WHen he asked if either of us had seen a therapist for any reason we said yes. One of us has seen a thereapist for a short period of time and it was for nothing major but the priest said in order for us to get married he needs us to release the documents to him. I do not understand what he needs them for and to be honest I dont think it is any of out business. My fiance and I are honest with each other and I feel as long as we are both aware of seeing a therapist than it should not be an issue. Has anyone else heard of this? And does anyone know a reason why? I just thought this was very odd.

Re: Can Priest request medical records?

Re: Can Priest request medical records?

they asked me the same question. I answered yes and I told him to what extent I went to see the pychologist. That was about it, and he didnt ask for any paperwork or anything. I cant believe he would ask for such personal paperwork. I dont see how that would be necessary to get married.

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I don't know if they can legally request a copy of the records. But, I know they ask the question b/c part of the priest's job is to determine if you are both in sound mind to enter the marriage. They are supposed to try and evaluate the couple and give help where needed to ensure their marriage lasts. I have had friends tell me that the priest asked them the same question then proceeded to request a few more meetings with them - I've never heard of them requesting the records.

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The preist was really nice and I did like him but I was just wondering what would happen if i told him that I would not release the papers. I cant imagine them saying that they would not marry us. I really like the church and it is where i went to elementry school and i dont think i would go to another church if this one doesnt work out. I just wanted to see what other people had experienced when being questioned by a preist.

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That is really strange. He cannot directly ask for the record because it is illegal for them to be released to him. I would find another priest. Anything medical is confidential and personally I don't think he has the right to deny you pre cana based on this information.

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We were asked the same question. My mother is a catholic school teacher so I asked her what it was about. Apparently they try to foresee anything that can be used for an annulment in advance. If your partner is unaware that you are legally insane they can ask for an annulment, etc. Crazy rules, I know. I think a lot of the questions were completely outdated. One of my girlfriends had a problem when the priest asked about conception and if she was able... He was concerned when they told him that no she was unable and they were OK with that and had been honest about it. He had them see a counselor. Which sure, that was fine, but you're right. Times have changed. Who's business is it but yours? The church frowns upon therapy except with a priest involved. It's ludicrous if you ask me.

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Thank all of you for your help and insight. This was the first time i was going through this and i was shocked when they asked that information.

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I don't know anything about the church, as I am Jewish, but I am studying to be a psychologist. Would it be sufficient for the priest to speak to the therapist. The therapist may be able to confirm, even in writing that you or your DH is of sound mind. A priest cannot request copies of your psychological records - that is private information, and property of the therapist. However, some therapists may keep two sets of notes...one set in more detail for themselves and another that they use with very brief notes in case they need them for the legal system.

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That's really weird. Our priest never even asked us that question.

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Posted by jamesbride

The church frowns upon therapy except with a priest involved.

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Re: Can Priest request medical records?

FH and I were asked the same question. As a social worker, I found it insulting that there is still such a negative stigma around going to therapy, and the priest just confirmed this, as they were using it as criteria.

I was also asked if I was currently pregnant.

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he is trying to make sure that you can't get an anulment from the Catholic church at a later date based on psych issues...

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Itsa common question and they're supposed to ask it. When someone I know got married, she had to give the priest a letter signed by her therapist saying she was psychologically fit to marry. It was weird though because she hadn't seen her therapist in over a year, so it was really dumb for her to have to call him up for that info.

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jamesbride, I don't think the church frowns on therpay except when a priest is involved, that's not true at all. i know a psychiatrist who is also a nun, and I know pf people who have been recommended by their priest to go to a psychologist, etc...so I don't think that's gernally true at all. I can understanmd why people would feel angryor like it's only your business, but the priests are just trying to make sure they foster good marriages that will last, and they don't want anyne coerced into marriage, for example if they're not psychologically capable of making that decision on their own and their aprtenr or family has coerced them (remeber one of the qwuestions you're asked is if you came of your ownf ree will). Also, mental illness is grounds for an anullent in some cases, so they want to make sure all of the cards are out on the table. It's really protecting you and the marriage, I don't think it's about stigma at all. OF course most people who go to therapy aren't 'mentally ill', and many many people are walking around with severe mental illness who have never gone to therapy, so it's not a perfect, system, but I think they're really trying to protect you and your future spouse.

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Re: Can Priest request medical records?

Just checking -- is this the Catholic church?

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Re: Can Priest request medical records?

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Posted by nylibride

As a licensed psychologist, I was blown away by your post. He has absolutely no legal right to ask you for your records. You can choose to give them to him if you want, but that is completely up to you.
It goes against the whole idea of confidentiality if he was allowed to get your records. Would people still say the same thing in the same way to their psychologist or therapist if they thought in anyway it may affect their later ability to get married?
If, as people have said, it is to be sure you are of 'sound mind' to marry, he should be able to make that assessment himself by interacting with you.

On a completely unprofessional, totally personal note, it really angers me that he requested those records. WAY out of line.

And, while I'm getting bent out of shape about this--psychological notes are considered medical records. Did he also request your actual physical medical records to see if you're on birth control or if you ever had an abortion? Frowned upon by Catholic church, of course. BUT people would FREAK OUT if asked to release medical information to get married. This is no different and is equally inappropriate.

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BRAVO

Re: Can Priest request medical records?

I have to say that after what happened the other night I do not think I will be getting married in the church. I found this to be a complete turn off. It is like they want you to lie to them about every aspect of your life instead of being honset with them. I guess they can not see why people are backing away from the church. What they should do is give us credentials to make sure that they will still be priests next year and to make sure that they have not been involved in any of the assult cases. I would not want a someone like that marrying me.