Can a School Nurse Contact My Doctor for Excuse Verification?

Having a school nurse call your doctor to verify an excuse for an absence is a common scenario. People often wonder about the reasons and procedures behind this action.

Reasons for Verification: The nurse may need to confirm the authenticity of an illness or injury note. To verify that medical care was received as described. To ensure that the excuse is genuinely valid.

Procedure for Verification: The nurse might ask for a copy of the medical record or a signed permission letter from your parents. A signed permission letter from the parents giving permission to exchange medical information is usually required. The nurse then needs to give the permission letter to your doctor.

This process could take hours to complete, as the doctor must confirm the details and return the permission letter. The nurse can then proceed with the verification process.

Consequences of Verification: The nurse can confirm that you were seen by a doctor, but cannot describe the nature of your care. The doctor cannot confirm specific details or provide additional information about the reason for your absence.

Privacy Concerns and Patient Confidentiality: Doctors are legally bound to protect patient confidentiality. They can only discuss a patient's condition with other healthcare providers for treatment purposes and parents. Even a parent cannot get detailed information about treatment without a signed release form.

Examples of Confidentiality Exceptions: Life-threatening allergies. Blood clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia). Medical conditions requiring supervision for safety (e.g., epilepsy).

In all other cases, doctors must maintain confidentiality as a standard practice, ensuring that patient information is only shared when necessary and with the appropriate consent from the patient or their legal guardians.