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Effective Date: July 1, 2026

I. Purpose

Touro University is committed to protecting student health and safety while respecting student privacy in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and New York State Education Law §6438-d (Beau's Law). This policy promotes student health and safety and ensures transparency in regard to notification practices.

II. Policy

A Parent, Guardian, or Emergency Contact may be notified when a student under the age of 21 is involved in one or more of the following, including, but not limited to:

  • Infractions of Touro rules or policies in relation to use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance
  • Violations of federal, state, or local laws involving alcohol or controlled substances; or
  • Alcohol or controlled substance-related medical emergencies, including:
    1. Hospitalization
    2. Overdose; or
    3. Other situations presenting a serious risk to the student’s health or safety

III. Scope

This policy applies to all Touro University students, staff, and faculty in New York State.

IV. Definitions

  1. Emergency Contact: A person designated by the student in the university’s student information system as a contact to be notified in urgent or emergency circumstances. An emergency contact may or may not be a parent or guardian.
  2. Guardian: A person legally appointed by a court or otherwise recognized under applicable law to act in place of a parent with respect to the care, custody, or welfare of a student. As used in this policy, “guardian” is distinct from “parent” and refers specifically to a court-appointed or legally recognized guardian.
  3. Parent: A parent of a student and includes a natural parent, a guardian, or an individual acting as a parent in the absence of a parent or a guardian

V. Procedure

  1. Violations of (a) Touro’s Drug and Controlled Substances Policy or (b) any federal, state or local laws involving alcohol or Controlled Substances; hospitalizations; or overdoses shall be reported to the Dean of Students or the school’s equivalent. The Dean of Students will consult with the Office of Institutional Compliance to determine the next steps. Individual faculty or staff members should not contact parents, guardians, or emergency contacts unless specifically authorized to do so. 
  2. Notifications to Parents, Guardians, or Emergency Contacts are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the totality of the circumstances.
  3. The University provides regular training to employees regarding:
    1. FERPA requirements and exceptions;
    2. this policy and its requirements; and
    3. Appropriate reporting and escalation procedures

VI. Related Documents/Policies

  1. N.Y. Education Law Section 6438-D – Notification of alcohol or controlled substance violations (2026)
  2. Drug and Controlled Substances Policy