House OKs Knopp bill to protect student records privacy

The Oregon Senate on Monday unanimously approved a bill co-sponsored by Bend Republican Tim Knopp to protect the rights of university and college students regarding medical, counseling and mental health records.

Knopp joined Sen. Sara Gelser (D-Corvallis) and Rep. Ann Lininger (D-Lake Oswego) as chief sponsors of Senate Bill (SB) 1558-A, which was passed by a unanimous vote of 28-0.

The policy states that health records, mental health records, and counseling records of students are not considered “student records” by colleges or universities.

Knopp said the measure protects a student’s right of confidentiality by not revealing records, except in the appropriate circumstance when that person, unaffiliated with the college or university, is lawfully authorized to disclose the information.

“I am pleased with the capability of Republicans to work with Democrats and unanimously pass legislation that will protect a student’s medical privacy,” Knopp said.

“This bill will allow students to pursue medical attention without the fear of repercussion, and it also assures the confidentiality of information shared between doctor and patient.”