Breaking FERPA? I feel Dumb

[Avill, BSN, RN]

Hi guys, 

So I had somebody recently who I am pretty certain was on the verse of a mental breakdown to the point I thought he may be having delusion ect. 

I am the one that caught it instead of just jumping to the conclusion he was on drugs (I'm at a HS). Anyway, I called dad and while he was getting onto him for the behavior I explained that I was more concerned with his mental health than with the possible drug usage (he had recently had a drug test done too FYI).

Anyway, I called the school based therapist to let her know that they were on their way and I wanted him assessed and gave her some of my observations. I told her to give me a call back to know the conclusion of his visit. 

I called her a few hours later and she just said "Actually I don't have permission to give you any information, but you will be getting an update soon". I just thanked her for taking care of my student and left it at that. 

 

But now I feel stupid because I feel like I asked her to break FERPA. Now I'm over thinking it and wondering if dad told her not to say anything or maybe it was just the first time I ever fully asked her if the student was okay. IDK I can't remember. 

I pretty much feel dumb. So I came here LOL! 

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

Actually, I don't think it's inappropriate for you, as the primary contact of medical treatment within a school, to exchange information with the school therapist, to some extent.  You don't need everything, but at least an idea of whether or not they felt the child was safe to remain in school and any other relevant concerns of things to look out for going forward (self-harm, suicidal ideation, etc).  What did she mean by "you'll be getting an update soon"?  From who?  Her?  The parents?  A facility or provider the child was sent/ referred to?  

[Avill, BSN, RN]

I don't know who will update me! She was so short with me so I just stopped asking. 

Student isn't here. So I just told the office to let me know if we get any notes or calls on him.

Thank you for replying it made me feel better ? 

[beachynurse, ASN, BSN]

On 2/17/2022 at 12:20 PM, Avill said:

I don't know who will update me! She was so short with me so I just stopped asking. 

Student isn't here. So I just told the office to let me know if we get any notes or calls on him.

Thank you for replying it made me feel better ? 

She should be the one to update you. If the student isn't in school he could very well be in a psych hospital, and she should let you know that. I work in a high school with our own Psychologist, and we often collaborate on students that we may share. It's important that she have updates on medical information, just like we need to know psych status so we know how, or if we need to manage him a particular way. best of luck with this. 

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

There are times when the pipeline only goes one way in my building. Guidance wants info, but is reluctant to share. Frustrating to have spent multiple visits with a kids going down the physical symptom road, when had I known they were working w guidance on anxiety issues, I might have taken a different track in my assessment.