Virtual Learning Series: Federal Health Privacy Laws: Basics for School Professionals
Two-part virtual learning series hosted by the MHTTC Network and the Center of Excellence for Protected Health Information
Archived recording of March 2023 two-part virtual learning series facilitated by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network and the CoE-PHI to assist mental health professionals working in schools in understanding how the federal health privacy laws apply to student mental health information.
Key Points
This learning series:
- Describes how federal health privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA and FERPA) apply to student mental health information
- Explains how student mental health information can be protected and shared in compliance with federal health privacy laws
- Discusses common scenarios involving student mental health information that arise in school settings through case study discussions led by clinical and legal experts
- Demonstrates how relevant resources and technical assistance can be accessed through the MHTTC Network and the CoE-PHI
Session 1 focuses on the importance of protecting and sharing student mental health information. Subject matter experts provided an overview of the federal health privacy laws that apply to student mental health information.
Session 2 builds upon the learnings from Session 1 by reviewing common scenarios in school settings that involve student mental health information. Subject matter experts led a discussion about clinical and legal considerations for each scenario.