FERPA medical records might not be the first thing on your mind as a student, but they play a big role in keeping your health information private.

Imagine this: You visit your campus health center for a routine check-up or mental health support. You assume your records stay between you and the medical staff, right? Well, that’s where FERPA steps in. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ensures that your educational records—including certain medical details—remain confidential, protecting them from unauthorized access. This means your professors, classmates, or even parents can’t view your medical information unless you give permission.

Knowing your privacy rights isn’t just about rules and regulations—it’s about having control over who sees your personal health details.


Understanding FERPA in the Context of Medical Records

FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is more than just a set of rules—it’s what keeps your student records, including certain medical details, private and secure. If you’ve ever wondered who has access to your health records at school, understanding how FERPA works will help you take control of your personal information.


Overview of FERPA’s Role

At its core, FERPA is all about privacy. It ensures that student records at educational institutions—including certain medical records—stay confidential.

Once you turn 18 or enroll in college, you become an “eligible student”, meaning your parents no longer have automatic access. This shift is crucial because it puts you in control of your personal information.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has issued two new guidance documents reinforcing the importance of student health record privacy:

  1. One document provides an overview for school officials, emphasizing their legal responsibilities under FERPA.

  2. The second document is a “know-your-rights” resource, aimed at parents and eligible students, explaining how FERPA applies to health records.

ED also advises schools to consider each student’s reasonable expectation of privacy—meaning your health records should not be disclosed except in rare circumstances and only for critical purposes, such as ensuring campus safety.

Under FERPA, schools cannot share your records without permission unless an exception applies. If a medical record is part of your education file, such as documentation for health-related accommodations, it’s protected. Schools must obtain consent before disclosing your health information—because your medical privacy isn’t just a courtesy, it’s the law.


Types of Records Protected

FERPA covers a range of student records, including:

  1. Medical records – This includes health histories, immunization records, treatment plans, and other health-related information maintained by the school.
  2. Academic records – Think grades, transcripts, class schedules, and test scores—all safeguarded under FERPA.
  3. Disciplinary records – Any records related to student conduct or disciplinary actions also fall under FERPA’s protection.

However, not all medical records are considered “education records”. FERPA distinguishes between “education records” and “treatment records”:

  1. Education records – These include medical documents stored as part of a student’s file and can be accessed by authorized school personnel.
  2. Treatment records – These are records maintained by healthcare professionals providing care to a student. They are not shared or accessible unless the student provides written permission.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) clarifies that if a school discloses treatment records for non-treatment purposes (e.g., athletics eligibility forms), those records become education records under FERPA. Even HIPAA-covered institutions must follow this rule if they are subject to FERPA.

Additionally, if an educational institution is a HIPAA-covered entity but provides healthcare services to non-students, those records are subject to HIPAA, not FERPA. This distinction is critical for schools offering both student and non-student medical services.


Exploring the Scope of FERPA With Student Health Records

FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, isn’t just about grades and report cards—it also plays a major role in keeping student health records private and secure. If you’ve ever wondered who can access your medical information at school, understanding how FERPA applies to student health records is key.


Protection of Student Health Information

FERPA protects certain health records maintained by schools, especially if you’re enrolled in K-12 or higher education.

Once you turn 18 or enter college, you become an “eligible student”, meaning your health records are now your responsibility. Schools must have your written consent before sharing these records with anyone—even parents in most cases.

Take a school nurse, for example. If they document your visits or treatments, those records are often considered part of your educational file and fall under FERPA’s protection. This means they can’t be shared without your permission.

The bottom line? FERPA gives you control over your health information while you’re in school. If you ever feel unsure about who has access, don’t hesitate to ask—you have rights.


Limits to FERPA Coverage in Health Records

While FERPA is a strong privacy law, it doesn’t cover all health records.

For instance, if you attend a private or religious school that doesn’t receive federal funding, FERPA may not apply to your records at all.

Another key distinction: medical records created by outside doctors, hospitals, or independent healthcare providers are not covered by FERPA. Instead, they fall under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), a different law that governs medical privacy. Even if your school has a health clinic, some of its records might not be fully protected by FERPA depending on how they are maintained.

This difference matters. If you ever have concerns about the privacy of your health information, ask your school for clarification.

Knowing whether FERPA or HIPAA applies can help you better understand who has access to your records—and who doesn’t.

FERPA vs HIPAA : Major Differences


FERPA’s Interaction With Medical Record Confidentiality

Understanding how FERPA protects medical record confidentiality is crucial—whether you’re a student, parent, or school official. It helps ensure sensitive health information stays private and is handled correctly in educational settings.

Interplay With HIPAA Regulations

FERPA and HIPAA are both important privacy laws, but they apply in different ways.

FERPA covers student health records kept by schools, while HIPAA protects medical records from healthcare providers, hospitals, or private clinics.

A simple rule of thumb: If a school maintains your health records, FERPA applies. If your records come from an external doctor, HIPAA applies.

However, there are some special cases:

  1. If your school provides healthcare services to non-students (such as staff or faculty), those records may be covered by HIPAA, not FERPA.

  2. If a student receives confidential mental health services, HIPAA refers to state laws about whether a minor can consent to treatment without parental involvement.

  3. If a school shares health data with an outside hospital or clinic, both FERPA and HIPAA protections may apply, depending on how the records are used.

Furthermore, FERPA does not apply to personal knowledge or observations that school officials acquire outside of official records.

For instance, if a teacher overhears a student discussing a health issue, FERPA does not restrict them from reporting it. However, if a school creates an official record based on that information, it becomes an education record subject to FERPA protections.


Disclosure of Protected Health Information

Under FERPA, your health records cannot be shared without your written consent—unless specific exceptions apply.

The situations given below are some of the instances when schools are allowed to share records without consent:

  1. Health or safety emergencies – If a school believes there’s an immediate risk to a student or the campus, they may disclose health records to protect you or others.

  2. Legal requirements – Schools must comply with federal and state laws, which may require them to share certain health details.

  3. Public health activities – Unlike HIPAA, FERPA does not have a specific clause allowing disclosures for public health reasons, but schools may be required to report immunization records under state laws.

  4. Reporting abuse – FERPA does not explicitly permit reporting abuse to authorities, though state laws may still require schools to do so.

  5. Permissive Exceptions – ED guidance also clarifies FERPA allows but does not require schools to disclose personally identifiable information (PII) in certain cases, such as:

    1. To parents of dependent students
    2. To school officials with a “legitimate educational interest”
    3. For emergencies where knowledge of the information is necessary to protect health or safety
    4. Pursuant to a judicial order or subpoena

Additionally, FERPA follows the “Minimum Necessary Rule”—even when disclosure is allowed, schools should only share the minimum amount of information needed. If a record needs to be shared for a specialist consultation, for example, only the relevant medical details should be provided.


Managing and Accessing Student Medical Records Under FERPA

Understanding how FERPA protects your student medical records is essential. Knowing your rights to access, manage, and safeguard your health information helps you stay in control and ensures your privacy is protected.

Rights and Responsibilities for Access

When you turn 18 or enroll in a college or university, FERPA grants you full control over your education records—including certain medical records kept by your school. This means your parents no longer have automatic access unless you give permission.

If you need to review your health records, you can submit a request to your school’s health services office or records department. Schools are required to respond within 45 days, so don’t hesitate to follow up if needed. And if something looks wrong? You have the right to request corrections if the information is inaccurate or misleading.

Why does this matter? Because having accurate health records ensures you get the right care and support when you need it. Staying informed about your rights and responsibilities helps you manage your health information with confidence.


Safeguarding Student Health Records

Protecting student health records is a shared responsibility between schools and students.

Under FERPA, schools must ensure these records remain confidential and secure. Only authorized individuals—such as healthcare providers and designated school staff—should have access.

To strengthen security:

  1. Schools must train employees who handle student health information on FERPA and HIPAA compliance.

  2. Employees should only access records necessary for their job duties—viewing records of friends, coworkers, or high-profile students without authorization is a violation that could lead to termination.

  3. Schools should consult legal counsel to ensure their privacy policies align with federal and state laws.

Students also play a role in protecting their own information. If you’re concerned about who has access to your records, talk to your school’s administration. Understanding your rights helps you take control of your personal data.


Special Considerations for Immunization Records

Immunization records aren’t just paperwork—they’re essential for both public health and compliance with FERPA. Schools must handle these records carefully, ensuring they are accurate, secure, and properly shared when necessary.

When it comes to immunization records, FERPA does not contain an explicit public health exemption. However, schools may still be required to report vaccination data to state health authorities under local laws. This means even though FERPA restricts disclosure, health reporting obligations can override privacy protections in specific cases.


Documenting and Reporting Under FERPA

When it comes to immunization records, schools must follow specific rules since these records are considered part of a student’s education file. That means they are protected under FERPA, just like academic transcripts or disciplinary reports.

To maintain confidentiality, only authorized school personnel should have access to these records. This includes nurses, administrators, or other staff responsible for student health services.

If your school requires vaccinations for enrollment, accurate documentation of immunization dates is critical—not just for compliance, but for the safety of the entire school community.

What about sharing these records? Schools can’t just hand them over to anyone.

If a student is under 18, parental consent is needed. Once a student turns 18 or enrolls in college, they gain full control over their health records.

However, there are exceptions—in cases of public health concerns, disease outbreaks, or legal requirements, schools may be required to share immunization records with health authorities.

Keeping immunization records organized and up to date isn’t just a legal requirement—it helps protect everyone on campus.

Whether you’re a student making sure your records are accurate or a school administrator ensuring compliance, handling immunization data properly keeps both privacy and public health in check.


Manage Student Medical Records With EduTranscript

Keeping track of student medical records can feel like a juggling act—especially when manual processes leave room for errors, delays, and security risks. Schools not only have to stay organized, but they also need to follow strict FERPA regulations to protect student health records. Balancing all of this? Not easy.


Simplify Record Management With EduTranscript

Managing student medical records while staying FERPA-compliant can be complex, but EduTranscript simplifies the process. This SaaS platform helps universities securely store, manage, and issue student records from one centralized system.

Since FERPA requires schools to follow strict security measures, EduTranscript ensures student health records remain protected with:

  1. Digital cryptographic signatures to verify authenticity.
  2. ID-based tagging to track access and prevent unauthorized use.
  3. One-time password (OTP) verification for secure record sharing.

Additionally, schools that handle electronic health information must comply with the HIPAA Security Rule to protect electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). EduTranscript aligns with these privacy standards, offering a secure and compliant solution for student record management.


Conclusion

Understanding FERPA’s role in medical record privacy isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about protecting your personal information and knowing who has access to it.

Whether you’re a student or a university administrator, recognizing how health records fit into FERPA’s guidelines helps ensure that sensitive data stays secure. Your rights matter, and being informed about them means you can make better decisions about your records.

Who can access your records? When can they be shared? These are questions worth asking. If you ever feel unsure, talk to your school’s administration to clarify policies and make sure your privacy is respected. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your personal information safe.

If your university is looking for a better way to manage and protect student records, EduTranscript makes the process simple and secure. It offers forgery-proof security, automated and compliance friendly transcript management—all in one platform. No more paperwork chaos. No more security risks.

If that sounds like something your school needs, book a demo to see EduTranscript in action.