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Discussion

Question...

I have a HS student who is 19. He came to me today to have me assess an injury that did not happen at school. Based on what he is telling me, I think he has a concussion (he bumped heads with someone). He requested that I not tell his mom about this. He said he can make the doctor's appointment himself and get it checked out.

Most of my kids are under 18 or get hurt at school. That's a no-brainer for me. I contact the parent. But I'm not sure what to do in this case.

What are your thoughts?

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    I have "kids" up to age 21 here, and I treat them like kids while they are here.

    I'm probably giving the wrong legal answer, but I would call.

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    Why doesn't he want you to call?

    Technically, unless they're emancipated, I still contact parents over injuries/illness regardless of age.

    Edit: But depending on extenuating circumstances, I may actually give the kid a pass, provided he gave me proof of an evaluation the next day.

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    How is the student going to get to the place where he can be further evaluated? Walking, bus, driving? If he would be driving himself and I suspected a concussion, I'd be talking with the student why telling a parent is a good idea (with my hand on the phone).

    Not to mention, they may need proof of insurance at the ED (if they go there) and even if this student carries their own insurance card, their parents may see the bill. AND there could be co-pay/etc the student may not be prepared for. When I mention these things to the older HS kiddos that are 18 (several of my senior fall into this group right now), they start to see the light ;).

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    **UPDATE** I contacted my school nurse state liaison and I cannot notify the parent of this injury without express written permission from the student who is 18 years old.

    The student did get a medical evaluation and even brought in the paperwork (I know, right!?!?!) for me. And he did end up telling mom on his own. His guidance counselor and I are working on a plan for him since all the doctor wrote on his discharge papers was "brain rest".

    Thanks for all of your input. :)

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    **UPDATE** I contacted my school nurse state liaison and I cannot notify the parent of this injury without express written permission from the student who is 18 years old.

    The student did get a medical evaluation and even brought in the paperwork (I know, right!?!?!) for me. And he did end up telling mom on his own. His guidance counselor and I are working on a plan for him since all the doctor wrote on his discharge papers was "brain rest".

    Thanks for all of your input. :)

    Kudos to the student! Someone is doing a good job with that boy!

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