Can a county agency obtain relevant medical records without medical consent during an investigation?

A county agency can indeed obtain relevant medical records without medical consent during an investigation into child abuse or neglect. This provision is important as it allows child protective services to access essential information that may assist in their assessment of a child's safety and well-being. The ability to access these records without consent is designed to protect children and ensure that investigators can act swiftly and effectively if there is a concern about their welfare.

Accessing medical records without consent facilitates a comprehensive investigation, especially when immediate action may be necessary to ensure a child's safety. This process is guided by specific legal frameworks that prioritize the well-being of children while still maintaining certain protections for individuals’ privacy in other contexts.

In contrast, the other choices either suggest that consent is always necessary or limit access based on the status of the case or the presence of allegations of abuse, which does not align with the legal provisions allowing for the protection of children in these circumstances.