As a result of the Virginia Tech massacre, Republican Congressman Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania proposed legislation on Wednesday that would permit colleges and universities to release information regarding a student’s mental health to parents or guardians when students are considered to be at risk of carrying out suicide, homicide or physical assault.

The legislation entitled ‘The Mental Health Cooperation Act for Families and Schools’ is designed to help parents become more involved in the mental health treatment process. The law would clarify communications with parents allowed under the existing Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which allows access to student records upon student consent, in emergency cases and when needed to protect a student’s health. Congressman Murphy believes that the existing Act is too vague.

Source: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070426/D8ONV9E00.html