[op00to]

> Speaking as someone paying what is effectively a second mortgage so my nephew can go to school, I expect the school to let me know how it's going.

Why? If you're paying your spouses' medical bills, do you expect to be included on personal, private conversations between the spouse and his or her doctor? (Spoiler: you need the spouse's consent for that!)

No one is forcing parents (or you) to pay for someone else's college, but as adults, the university should manage the students' autonomy by not sending "nastygrams" home.

Why do you think you're entitled to invading your nephew's privacy simply because you gave him some money?

[sulam]

I guess he invaded his own privacy, by agreeing that he would arrange for his grades to be sent to me by the school.

Also, while your straw man was amusing, it's also mostly wrong. The rules regarding PHI disclosure from covered entities to spouses is fairly complex -- not to mention non-spouses. You might be interested in this link:

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/488/does-hip...