Does HIPAA allow disclosure of protected health information about a student to a school nurse for treatment purposes?

The correct choice is that HIPAA does allow the disclosure of protected health information (PHI) about a student to a school nurse for treatment purposes. Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, healthcare providers are permitted to share PHI for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations without requiring explicit consent from the patient in certain circumstances.

In the context of a school setting, a school nurse acts as a healthcare provider who is responsible for the students' medical needs and can make decisions regarding treatment. The rule facilitates the sharing of relevant health information with the nurse to ensure that students receive appropriate care in emergencies or for ongoing health issues.

Moreover, schools typically have established safety measures in place to protect students' health information, ensuring compliance with both HIPAA regulations and educational privacy laws like FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This means the information shared with the school nurse is handled appropriately and used solely for the intended healthcare purposes.

By allowing this flow of information, the regulations support the overall health and welfare of students, ensuring they have access to necessary medical support within the educational environment.