Without the student’s consent, parents/guardians will not automatically have access to grades or enrollment information or be able to consult with medical providers for information or have input into their treatment.
Two federal laws govern the privacy of a student’s records when they are over 18 and/or enroll in college.
1. The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
HIPAA protects sensitive information.
Once a student turns 18, HIPAA turns control of their health care and records over to them.
This applies to off-campus medical/treatment records.
2. The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA protects the privacy of educational records which includes grades, academic standing, and disciplinary events.
- FERPA for Parents: James Madison University will provide to parents of dependent students access to educational records upon written request to the Office of the Registrar. This policy applies to current JMU students who are registered for the current semester or pre-registered for the following semester if between terms.
FERPA Treatment Records protects the privacy of information relating to the student’s treatment on campus at the University Health Center.
- University Health Center (UHC): In-coming & current students can request health information release within MyJMUChart or this form. Records will only be released to the student, not their family. Please also see UHC’s Patient Rights.
- The Health Center provides inclusive and confidential care to all enrolled students. UHC has a strict policy concerning confidentiality of visits and medical records. Patient information will not be released to anyone without the student’s consent. Health Center personnel may not provide information to parents of students without their consent. For more information, visit UHC’s FAQ section.
- Is there a waiver for parents/families to have access to their students medical record?
- If a student is hospitalized, how will their parents/families be notified?
Counseling Center: Confidentiality Counseling records are kept separate from academic, disciplinary, and medical records to ensure the student’s privacy and confidentiality.
While the Counseling Center is not able to confirm or deny your student’s participation in our services without written permission or otherwise mandated reasons, our staff is always able to accept information and support you through our consultation services.
Balance Respect for Privacy with Offers of Support
College is a time of health care transition. Students who are accustomed to having their health care needs met by their parents or guardians are now learning to manage their own health care needs. Assure your student that you respect their privacy as they begin to navigate their own health care and remind them that you are there for them if they need advice and support.
Please be aware that university forms and/or procedures are specific to JMU and cannot be substituted with third-party forms that claim to provide the necessary legal documentation to release student's private information to parents/guardians. JMU cannot provide legal advice.
Other terms:
A Medical Power of Attorney, or Healthcare Proxy, designates someone (for example you, the parent) to act as an agent in case the named individual (your student) isn’t able to make decisions on their own.
An Advance Directive (Living Will), used to spell out preferences for end-of-life care, often includes Medical Power of Attorney. Many hospitals offer free advance directive forms that, once submitted, will be added to the national US Living Will Registry. For more information regarding advance directives at the local hospital visit Patient Forms (sentara.com).
Durable Power of Attorney (Durable POA) allows a designated adult to make financial decisions on your student's behalf. This allows you to do things like access your student's bank accounts, pay bills, sign tax returns, or even make adjustments to your student's financial aid.
