Dear Colleague Letter to School Officials at Institutions of Higher Education

Institutions of higher education have a strong interest in ensuring that students have uncompromised access to the support they need, without fear that the information they share will be disclosed inappropriately. Providing on-campus access to medical services, including mental health services, can help promote a safe and healthy campus. The practice of sharing a student’s sensitive medical records with others not involved in their treatment may discourage the use of medical services provided on campus.  The U.S. Department of Education issued a draft Dear Colleague Letter in August 2015, soliciting public comment on several issues related to the privacy of student medical records at institutions of higher education.  After considering the comments received, the Department issued this final letter.