Clinicians and pediatricians are covered by HIPAA while school nurses must follow the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Under FERPA, a student’s information may be disclosed without consent to “school officials, including teachers, within the agency or institution whom the agency or institution has determined to have legitimate educational interests.” However, many school nurses work with local health departments and note that they are unsure about how to document and communicate health information, the study found.
Lead study author Patricia Elliott gave the example of a student undergoing a sexually transmitted infection screening that is conducted by the school nurse in collaboration with a health clinic. While the clinician is required by HIPAA to keep the information private, a school nurse may be required to upload that information into the student’s file, which could then be viewed by the student’s parents.
Rather than rewrite the rules, Ms. Elliot suggests clinicians and school nurses work together to enhance protocols.
To access the complete study, click here.
More articles on cybersecurity:
Texas provider alerts 6,500 patients of phishing attack
Connecticut payer alerts 1,100 members of phishing attack
10 tips for hospitals to mitigate ransomware attacks
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.