Hi all, I’m a grad student, and I’m dealing with a tricky situation. My advisor, Ms. L, recently tried to access my therapy records by contacting my therapist, Ms. S, and lied, saying that I had given consent to share my info. Obviously, I didn’t! My question is, isn’t this a violation of some kind of privacy law? She doesn’t have my permission to see any of my therapy details. Is there anything I can do?
Wow, that’s so invasive! Your therapist should be following HIPAA, which protects your therapy records from unauthorized access. Your advisor can’t legally get that info without your consent.
Ari said:
Wow, that’s so invasive! Your therapist should be following HIPAA, which protects your therapy records from unauthorized access. Your advisor can’t legally get that info without your consent.
Thanks, yeah, that’s what I thought too. I’ll make sure my therapist knows not to share anything.
Ari said:
Wow, that’s so invasive! Your therapist should be following HIPAA, which protects your therapy records from unauthorized access. Your advisor can’t legally get that info without your consent.
Good call! Also, maybe let your advisor know you’re not okay with what they’re doing.
This doesn’t fall under FERPA since therapy records are medical, not educational. But it’s still messed up! Your therapist should know not to share anything without clear consent.
Uma said:
This doesn’t fall under FERPA since therapy records are medical, not educational. But it’s still messed up! Your therapist should know not to share anything without clear consent.
Yeah, I wish FERPA covered it! Just feels wrong that she’s even asking.
Uma said:
This doesn’t fall under FERPA since therapy records are medical, not educational. But it’s still messed up! Your therapist should know not to share anything without clear consent.
Agreed! You could file a complaint with her department head about this behavior.
HIPAA violations only apply to your therapist, so if they share without permission, that’s on them. But your advisor is still out of line!
Pip said:
HIPAA violations only apply to your therapist, so if they share without permission, that’s on them. But your advisor is still out of line!
Right. I’ll make sure my therapist is aware. Just hoping this stops soon.
It sounds ethically wrong on your advisor’s part, even if it’s not legally a violation for her. Definitely let her know you’re aware and don’t consent.
Blaine said:
It sounds ethically wrong on your advisor’s part, even if it’s not legally a violation for her. Definitely let her know you’re aware and don’t consent.
Thanks, I’ll be sure to do that. Might file a complaint if she keeps pushing.
Honestly, you could consider filing a complaint with the university. It’s worth letting someone higher up know about this.
Shannon said:
Honestly, you could consider filing a complaint with the university. It’s worth letting someone higher up know about this.
Good idea! I’ll talk to someone about it. Thanks for the suggestion.