Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which federal law impacts counselors working in educational settings that receive federal funding?

1. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

2. Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)

3. U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504)

4. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The correct answer is: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) specifically impacts counselors working in educational settings that receive federal funding by establishing regulations regarding the privacy of student education records. FERPA protects the confidentiality of students' educational records and gives parents and eligible students the right to access and amend those records. Counselors must comply with FERPA guidelines when dealing with student information, ensuring that they handle educational records appropriately and only share them with authorized individuals or entities in accordance with the law. FERPA applies to all educational institutions that receive federal funds, including public schools, and is crucial for counselors who must navigate the complexities of student privacy and information sharing. Understanding FERPA is vital for counselors to maintain compliance, protect student rights, and foster a trusting environment for students and their families. In contrast, the other options primarily focus on different aspects of law and regulation that do not directly pertain to the management of educational records in the same way as FERPA. For example, HIPAA is centered around healthcare privacy, CAPTA relates to child welfare, and Section 504 addresses the rights of individuals with disabilities but does not specifically regulate the privacy of educational records.