FERPA guidance for higher education
The Family Policy Compliance Office (“FPCO”) of the U.S. Department of Education has issued a policy guidance statement with respect to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, known as FERPA, and higher education.
The statement, “Disclosure of Information from Education Records to Parents of Postsecondary Students,” is a question-and-answer formant addressing issues arising in the postsecondary setting. Among other things, the statement addresses application of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, known as HIPPA, to student records, as well as when an institution may notify parents of student alcohol / drug use.