Protecting Student Privacy: HIPAA vs. FERPA

Interpreters working as part of an IEP or a 504 Team are oftentimes privy to a student’s medical information, psychological evaluations, and information that is diagnostic.  Interpreters are bound to  adhere to the same standards as school personnel, educators and administrators under both FERPA and HIPAA.  In this module, we will discuss both nationally mandated laws, what is considered protected information, and who the laws are applicable to.   We will also look at the difference between the two laws and why FERPA takes precedent in the education setting.