Q: Is it permissible to send vaccination records to a school nurse without a signed authorization from the child's parents? Proof of vaccination is required before the child can be enrolled in school.
HIPAA Weekly Advisor, September 17, 2007
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A: No, it is not permissible. As a covered entity, you may release PHI without authorization for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. School enrollment does not fall into any of these categories. You should obtain the parents' written authorization to send vaccination records directly to the school. You may also give the vaccination records to the parents so that they may deliver them to the school.
Editor's note: Mary Brandt, president of Bellaire, TX-based Brandt & Associates, LLC, answered this question. This is not legal advice. Consult your attorney for legal matters.
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