Whose consent is required for disclosures of confidential disability information?

Whose consent is required for disclosures of confidential disability information?

• A. The district superintendent
• B. The school counselor only
• C. The student or parent/guardian
• D. The principal only

Answer: (C)

Consent to disclose confidential disability information rests with the person who holds the rights to that information: the student if they are an adult, or the parent/guardian if the student is a minor. This ensures privacy is respected and that any sharing is approved by the individual most connected to the information. School staff like a district administrator, counselor, or principal can handle records as part of their duties, but they cannot unilaterally authorize disclosure to someone outside the approved circle without the student or parent/guardian’s consent. There are specific exceptions where disclosure can occur without consent, but the standard rule is that consent comes from the student or parent/guardian.

Consent to disclose confidential disability information rests with the person who holds the rights to that information: the student if they are an adult, or the parent/guardian if the student is a minor. This ensures privacy is respected and that any sharing is approved by the individual most connected to the information. School staff like a district administrator, counselor, or principal can handle records as part of their duties, but they cannot unilaterally authorize disclosure to someone outside the approved circle without the student or parent/guardian’s consent. There are specific exceptions where disclosure can occur without consent, but the standard rule is that consent comes from the student or parent/guardian.