Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Attorney Contributes to Primer on Sharing School Health Information in California

Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo attorney Elizabeth Estes has collaborated with author Rebecca Gudeman, J.D., MPA, and the National Youth Law Center, on the second edition of an essential resource guide for navigating the complex laws of health information sharing on California school campuses. “HIPAA or FERPA? A Primer on Sharing School Health Information in California” provides an overview of the pertinent federal and state confidentially laws when healthcare is provided on school sites as well as helpful technical guidance for agencies.

This crucial publication provides clarification to schools and community providers as to what student health information can be shared and with whom. The Primer addresses frequently asked questions regarding sharing information and should be used as a reference guide that provides legal information to comply with certain government regulations.

“This is an important area of compliance know-how for school districts throughout the state and everyone can benefit from this comprehensive resource,” commented Elizabeth Rho-Ng, Team Leader for the Northern California Special Education Practice Group of AALRR. “With this publication, Ms. Estes has furthered her work in this area and continues to be a valuable resource to our clients in helping them navigate the health care privacy laws they must adhere to.”

Ms. Estes represents school districts and county offices of education throughout California. Of Counsel in our Marin office, she spent the first five years representing minors in California’s child welfare system and then twenty years focusing her practice in the areas of special education and student matters. Ms. Estes is a recognized speaker in training school personnel and attorneys statewide. Ms. Estes launched Breaking Barriers; a statewide interagency initiative aimed at collaboratively breaking barriers to social, emotional, behavioral health and improved educational outcomes for California's children. Additionally, she is involved in the following organizations: Family and Children’s Law Center of Marin (Board Member) and former Board Member at UC Berkeley Bear Backers.

 Click here to access an electronic copy of the second edition of the Primer.