August 14, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Would you want a nurse tending to your child at school in the event of an injury or medical episode?
Under a new state law (the Family Rights and Responsibilities Act) which went into effect July 1, parental consent is now required before a school nurse can treat students for a wide variety of conditions.
Director of Schools Patrick Cripps said the consent forms are being sent home for parents/guardians to sign.
“They are being sent out this week. Some schools have already sent them so they (parents) will be getting them this week. It’s a new law that requires school nurses to get permission to treat students at the building (schools). We are asking our parents and guardians to please fill out the form and get that back in so that in case treatment is needed we are able to treat students and their needs,” said Director Cripps.
The new law says if there’s an emergency, any person, including a school nurse, can provide a child with medical assistance. This includes treating a wound or taking a child to the emergency room in the event of a serious injury.
However, for non-emergencies, a doctor or nurse must first consult with the parents by phone call or text message.
The new law also applies to school counseling. However, lawmakers said counselors can still listen to student’s problems or concerns without parental consent.
Seven other states have similar laws that require parental consent for non-emergency medical services: Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Oklahoma, and Texas.
The consent form being sent home to DeKalb County parents/guardians states as follows:
“Pursuant to the Family Rights and Responsibilities Act and Tennessee Code Annotated, I am the parent/guardian and I hereby
GIVE
WITHHOLD
The school nursing staff of DeKalb County Schools permission to care for my child as follows:
*To render aid and to treat any non-emergency health conditions such as stomachache, headache, vomiting, cuts and abrasions, nose bleeds, etc.
*To render aid and to treat emergency health conditions such as allergic reactions, serious wounds or injuries, etc.
*To dispense over the counter medications as may be required to treat the child
* To follow medical orders received from treating physicians or other health care professionals
I understand that, if I give consent, then I have the right to revoke consent at any time upon informing the school nursing staff in writing.
I also understand that, if I withhold or revoke consent, then I agree that I will come to school immediately to care for my child myself. I also understand that the school staff, in its discretion, may call 911 to deal with any emergency and that, if they do so, then I may be responsible for any charges”.