HIPPA

[Vtachy1]

I was told by my school that I can give info to the doctor even if the parents have not signed a consent for me to do so. Is this true? THEy are saying that for school nursing it doesn't apply, we can talk to the doctor even if parents don't want us to.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

We,, first of all the Health Insurance Portatbility and Accountability Act is abbreviated HIPAA.....

[schooldistrictnurse]

You can share pertinent information and so can the other party if the parent/legal guardian has signed a consent to release information stating their permission. I typically call the dr office and get a contact person and then fax the consent to their attention. School confidentiality is governed by FERPA, not HIPAA. I don't think a dr's office would give you the time of day without it, except for immunization information, which is not confidential, I believe.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

http://www.astho.org/Programs/Preparedness/Public-Health-Emergency-Law/Public-Health-and-Schools-Toolkit/Comparison-of-FERPA-and-HIPAA-Privacy-Rule/

I find this a good reference for thinking about HIPAA vs. FERPA.

I will not contact a doctor's office unless I have parental consent; I have a statement on our yearly school form that parents can check yes or no to that says "I grant the school nurse permission to exchange information with my child's health care provider." They have the option to change the yes to a no or vice versa throughout the year. 99% of the parents check yes, it is the ones that check no that I note.

[RNlove17]

All the parents have to sign a HIPAA form when registering their child here and I have it in SNAP. i call dr's offices all the time - but I have the authorization to do so.