What type of information can be shared without violating FERPA in a health emergency?

The correct response indicates that, during a health emergency, educational institutions can disclose information that is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or others. This provision in FERPA is designed to allow flexibility in situations where there may be an imminent threat to health or safety. Such disclosures are typically made to appropriate individuals or entities, such as law enforcement or medical personnel, who are in a position to address the emergency effectively.

This type of information sharing is permitted because the primary intent of FERPA is to protect student privacy, but it also recognizes that there are extraordinary circumstances—such as emergencies—where the immediate health and safety of individuals may outweigh those privacy concerns. This exception ensures that timely action can be taken in crisis situations, potentially saving lives or preventing harm.

In contrast, general health records and all health records would not appropriately meet the specific criteria for emergency exceptions under FERPA, as disclosing comprehensive or non-specific health information could violate privacy protections unless it directly pertains to the emergency at hand. De-identified information does not fall under this category because it does not provide specific information relevant to individuals in a health crisis.