Confidentiality

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The nursing department follows the guidelines established under the FERPA. This policy is about maintaining student privacy. To avoid violations of FERPA rules, the faculty should not:

• Use student social security numbers
• Provide information or materials to students that allows them to see the work of other students
• Circulate a printed class list with student name and social security number
• Discuss the progress of any student with anyone other than the student without the express consent of the student through a FERPA release, including parents and/or spouse.
• Provide student schedules except as required by a clinical facility
• Share student email addresses, phone numbers, or home addresses

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)

The HIPAA Privacy Rule creates national standards to protect individuals’ medical records and other personal health information. All verbal, electronic, and written information relating to patients/clients and contracted agencies is considered confidential and is not to be copied or discussed with anyone. Information may be disclosed only as defined in HIPAA guidelines. Any breach of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action, up to and including possible dismissal from the program.