Routine Health Service Consent
Starting Sept. 1, 2025, and in compliance with Senate Bill 12 (SB 12), parents must complete a Routine Health Services Consent Form for their child to receive routine physical or mental health services at school, such as basic first aid, over-the-counter medications, wellness checks, or support from nurses, athletic trainers, and counselors. Without the form, staff may only provide life-saving emergency care.
For any services beyond those listed on the form, campus staff will contact parents to discuss additional needs and obtain consent for non-routine care.
Senate Bill 12
On June 20, 2025, the Governor of Texas signed SB 12 into law, requiring public school districts to obtain parental consent before providing any routine physical or health services to students.
This means schools must have consent on file before offering even the most basic support. For instance, a nurse applying a bandage to a scraped knee or a counselor helping a student manage their breathing during emotional distress would first require parental permission.
Routine Health Services That May Be Provided With Consent:
Physical Health Services
(By school nurses, qualified school staff, or athletic trainers)
First aid and injury evaluation
Administration of over-the-counter or prescription medications per school policy
Monitoring of chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes)
Vision, Hearing, Acanthosis Nigricans, and Scoliosis screenings
Support during illness or physical symptoms at school
Heat illness prevention and injury support for student athletes
Assessment of reported symptoms or complaints
Standing orders from Medical Director
Mental Health Services
(By school counselors or mental health staff)
Short-term individual counseling or check-ins
Comprehensive student-success needs assessment (academic related behavior needs like study skills and school involvement, not for mental health diagnostic purposes)
Social-emotional skill-building or group counseling
Support during emotional distress or crisis, including assessment following a reported concern of student self-harm or harm to others
Behavioral observations and problem-solving
Referral to external providers, if needed (with additional consent)
The consent does not include formal medical or psychological diagnosis, prescription medication administration without proper authorization or ongoing therapy or treatment requiring parental notification under law. These activities would require separate written consent and parental involvement, unless in emergency or legally exempt circumstances.
FAQs
For additional questions regarding routine services for physical health, please contact your student's home campus nurse. For any questions regarding routine services for mental health, please contact your student's school counselor.