New legislation from the 89th Texas Legislative Session requires that parents and guardians provide annual consent for certain school-based services and activities. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has clarified the types of services based on the type of consent required:
- Opt-In Required: Parental consent must be provided before these services can be delivered.
- Opt-Out Allowed: These services will be provided unless the parent or guardian declines in writing.
- Always Provided: These services are delivered as needed, either in emergencies or as part of general caregiving, and do not require consent.
What This Means for Parents and Guardians
If you select “Yes” (Consent): Your child may receive all health services, including those requiring opt-in consent, opt-out services, and those that are always provided.
If you select “No” (Do Not Consent): Your child will receive only the services that are always provided.
If you do not complete the form: Your child will not receive services that require opt-in consent. They will continue to receive opt-out services (unless you opt out in writing) and services that are always provided.
Health Services and Consent Requirements
Opt-In Required (Consent must be provided before services are delivered):
- Administration of over-the-counter medications, in accordance with state law
- Administration of prescription medications, in accordance with state law
- Special nursing procedures (requires written parent request and physician’s order)
- Medical procedures (requires written parent request and physician’s order)
Opt-Out Allowed (Services provided unless declined in writing):
- First aid
- Routine screenings (vision, hearing, spinal, and Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes in Children)
- Wellness promotion and education (e.g., nutrition, hygiene, prevention, general wellness) beyond standard curriculum
- Monitoring of chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, anxiety, seizures, depression, ADHD)
- Vision, hearing, acanthosis nigricans, and scoliosis screenings required by the Department of State Health Services or as requested by a parent/guardian
- Coordination of health services (e.g., referrals to external healthcare providers)
- Sports injury assessment, intervention, and support for student athletes
Always Provided (No consent required):
- Emergency medical care
- General caregiving (e.g., applying bandages, managing bloody noses, checking temperature, clothing changes)
If you wish to update your preferences or provide consent for specific services, please complete the Health Services Consent Modification Form (available soon) and return it to your campus nurse.
Thank you for your continued support in promoting the health and well-being of all Skidmore-Tynan students.
Sincerely,
Amanda Michael, BSN RN Skidmore-Tynan ISD District Nurse