FERPA
Also written as: FERPA — Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, federal law protecting the privacy of student educational records including mental health information.
Full Definition
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is federal legislation that protects the privacy of student educational records, including mental health information maintained by schools. FERPA grants parents certain rights regarding their child's educational records, including the right to inspect records, request amendments, and control disclosure to third parties. When students reach 18 or attend postsecondary institutions, these rights transfer to the student. In child and adolescent mental health, FERPA governs when school-based mental health information can be shared with outside providers, parents, or other agencies. The law includes specific provisions for health and safety emergencies that may override typical confidentiality protections.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from HIPAA when documenting school-based vs. healthcare settings.
In Context
- "FERPA requirements were considered before sharing school mental health records with the clinic." — Information release documentation
- "The emergency disclosure was justified under FERPA's health and safety exception." — Crisis intervention report