Advocate for Your Student on School Issues

Advocate for Your Student on School Issues

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE SCHOOL ASKS FOR MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS

• It is your decision to give the school your child’s records.
• There may be a good reason for the school to have medical and mental health records, but only those that are educationally relevant.
• Do not sign a consent form (release) from the school unless you are sure that you want the school to have all the records the school is requesting.
• Make sure the release is specific and only for the information the school really needs from the doctor, hospital or medical provider, and that it is not your child’s entire file.
• Call the medical provider’s office before you sign the release to find out which records are in your child’s file.
• You can always give the school copies of specific records they request instead of signing a release. One way to do this is to:
• – Ask the school for a list of written questions or information they need from the medical provider in order to educate your child.
  – Then ask the medical provider to give you a written response to the school’s questions, which you can then provide the school.
  – This allows you to remain in control of your child’s care and still provide the school any necessary information.
  – It can also prevent misunderstandings or the release of records the school doesn’t need to see.