During the evaluation process, the diagnostician learns the student had a head injury at age five. What action should the diagnostician take with this information?

• A. Ignoring the information
• B. Obtaining written permission from the parents/guardians to review pertinent medical records
• C. Requesting medical records without consent
• D. Sending forms to the medical provider

Answer: (B)

When evaluating a student, medical history such as a head injury is sensitive information. To use that information in the assessment, you must obtain written permission from the parents or guardians to review pertinent medical records. This consent legally authorizes the release and protects confidentiality, aligning with privacy laws and school policies. It also ensures you have the full context to interpret test results and plan appropriate supports. Without consent, requesting or reviewing medical records would violate privacy rules, and ignoring the information would miss important context; sending forms to a medical provider without consent would bypass the necessary authorization.