Families across the United States face a daunting obstacle when a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). While these laws were designed to protect privacy, their rigid and outdated structures often leave families in the dark at critical moments, preventing them from accessing crucial information and participating in life‑saving decisions.  

In mental health emergencies, family members are frequently the first to recognize the signs of a crisis and are essential in providing immediate support and care. Despite this, current HIPAA and FERPA restrictions often prohibit healthcare providers, school‑based clinicians, and university health centers from sharing vital insights about diagnosis, care plans, or necessary interventions with the families of adult patients or students—even when their involvement is crucial for the individual’s welfare.  

The exclusion of families from the decision‑making process not only leaves them feeling helpless but can also lead to tragic outcomes due to delays in treatment or inadequate support structures. Without the ability to share insights or concerns, families cannot advocate effectively for their loved ones or assist in directing their care toward recovery.  

We propose a reform that balances patient privacy with family involvement in care, particularly in situations where individuals are unable to make informed decisions due to their mental health status. Building on the precedent of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, this reform should include guidelines allowing information sharing with designated family members during emergencies, with appropriate consent mechanisms to safeguard patient rights.  

This modernization must also extend to FERPA‑covered environments. When a student over 18 experiences a severe psychiatric crisis on school or university property, FERPA should not be used as a barrier to withhold safety‑critical information from parents or guardians. Schools and campus health systems must follow the same emergency‑consent exceptions required of hospitals and crisis‑response teams.  

Additionally, educational initiatives can help families understand HIPAA and FERPA regulations better and prepare them to engage with healthcare and educational providers, fostering a collaborative approach to mental health care.  

It is imperative that we acknowledge the invaluable role families play in mental health recovery and revise HIPAA and FERPA laws to facilitate their involvement. This reform will not only protect patients but empower families to provide the necessary support to ensure a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to mental health care.  

Please join us in urging lawmakers to take action for HIPAA–FERPA reform to support families in mental health crises. Your signature can drive the change needed to give families the rights and resources they need in these critical moments.