High School Student Shadowing Policy

High school students may participate in structured shadowing experiences in a strictly observational capacity, subject to defined safeguards, supervision, and approval processes.

1. Observation Only: Students may not participate in decision-making, service delivery, or operational tasks that pose any personal injury risk
2. Confidentiality: No access to protected, sensitive, or regulated information (e.g., Information protected by HIPPA and FERPA)
3. Clinical Restrictions:
   1. Observation in clinical, research or laboratory settings requires explicit patient written or verbal consent (where applicable)
   2. No access to medical records or documentation systems
4. Supervision: Continuous supervision by designated university personnel is required
5. Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in high school and, if minors, have parental/guardian consent in writing.
6. Approval Requirement: All shadowing experiences must be pre-approved through a standardized intake and review process

IV. PROCEDURE/GUIDELINES: 

1. Request Intake: Student or school submits Shadowing Request Form
2. Departmental Review: Host department evaluates feasibility, risk level (clinical vs. non-clinical) and Supervisor Availability
   1. Review for HIPPA/FERPA Implications and other personal injury risk exposure
   2. Determine allowed levels of exposure:
      1. Level 1 – General Observation
      2. Level 2 – Restricted (de-identified exposure)
      3. Level 3 – Not permitted
3. Approval: Department head approval is required if it is in a clinical, research or laboratory setting and there is involvement of minors.
4. Pre-participation requirement: Signed form with confidentiality agreement language and parental consent (if student is a minor)