The doctor's note should only state the date and time of your appointment on hospital letterhead. If your school is requesting the nature of the medical condition, I believe that would bring HIPAA rights into question, and then it would be up to your parents (if you're under the age of majority in your jurisdiction) to decide whether or not they're comfortable having that information released. Of course, their decision would be based on your willingness to have that released as well. http://www.legalmatch.com/law-librar...cy-rights.html may help answer some of your (and your parents') questions.

FYI: your school's budget is most likely dependent upon the number of students physically present each day and as such, their attendance policy based on both state and county budget requirements (among others.) You should be able to have your doctor outline your scheduled appointments on a weekly or monthly basis; check with your school to see if this will meet with their requirements. Unless you and your parents feel like tackling your local board of education, that is policy. Period. It's probably in writing in any of the registration paperwork you received at the beginning of the school year, on the school's current web site or otherwise prominently displayed. Again, if you can't find it elsewhere, try your board of education, but in my opinion, no, I don't see your rights being violated for the reasons you've posted.

If you're having "personal issues" that you're not comfortable discussing with your parents, you might want to try a school counselor at your school. With your permission, that counselor can at least advise the school of your circumstances and the number of "unexcused" absences.

Good luck.