A new Texas law requiring parental consent before schools can provide health care to students has sparked confusion among nurses and administrators across the state. Senate Bill 12, which also bans diversity, equity and inclusion practices and LGBTQ+ clubs, includes “parental rights” provisions mandating written approval before nurses can offer routine medical assistance.
School districts are required to discipline employees who act without consent. While some districts interpret the law as allowing basic first aid, others now restrict care unless a student faces a life-threatening emergency.
“When you write such a strict enforcement mechanism into a law, people are going to take notice,” said Becca Harkleroad, head of the Texas School Nurses Organization. “Now you’ve got nurses who are questioning if they can put a basket of Band-Aids on their countertop.”
The law’s sponsors, Rep. Jeff Leach and Sen. Brandon Creighton, urged the Texas Education Agency last week to issue consistent guidance. Agency officials said revised rules will be sent to districts soon.
Nurses remain uneasy, saying lawmakers ignored warnings about unintended consequences. “The question always is, is my license in jeopardy?” said Hollie Smith of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
