FAQ for New Consent Policy for Health Services

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Thank you for your interest in the Great Hearts Texas Consent Form for Campus Health Services. This form ensures proactive compliance with Senate Bill 12 (SB12) from the 89th Texas Legislative Session, which strengthens parental rights by requiring written consent for routine, non-emergency health services at school. Below are answers to common questions based on parent inquiries and Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidance. If your question isn’t covered, please contact your campus nurse or our Director of Health Services. .

Question Answer
What does “Coordination of health services and provision of health education” mean? Practical support from trained campus nurses to keep your child healthy at school. Health education includes simple guidance (e.g., proper handwashing, staying hydrated, covering a cough). Coordination of services means nurses work with teachers/staff to plan for specific needs (e.g., allergies, asthma management).
What is considered routine care? Everyday services such as first aid for minor injuries (e.g., band-aids for scrapes), assessing symptoms (fever, stomachache), managing chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes) during school hours, and screening for communicable diseases to prevent spread—so students can stay safe and ready to learn.
What classifies as a non-emergency? A health situation that isn’t life-threatening and doesn’t require immediate medical intervention (e.g., minor cuts, headaches, upset stomachs). Life-threatening emergencies (e.g., severe allergic reactions, trouble breathing, serious injuries) do not require consent; staff will act immediately, contact you, and call emergency services if needed.
Can parents opt out of some but not all health services? Yes. You can allow some services and decline others (e.g., consent to first aid but opt out of chronic condition management during school hours). To tailor preferences, contact your campus nurse or Kristen Von Berg at Kristen.VonBerg@greatheartstxschools.org. We’ll update your child’s record in SNAP to reflect your choices.
Why are we implementing this now? SB12 (effective Sept. 1, 2025) requires schools to obtain annual parental consent for routine health services to strengthen parental involvement. Great Hearts Texas has formalized this process to comply with the law and support safe care per recent TEA guidance.
What if I don’t return the form? It will be treated as withholding consent. Nurses cannot provide routine, non-emergency services, except in life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergencies, we’ll contact you to pick up your child. Returning the form helps avoid disruptions.
Who provides these health services? Trained campus nurses (and, in some cases, qualified school staff under nurse supervision for basic first aid). Nurses are the primary providers and follow district policies and your consent preferences.
Does this include mental health or counseling services? No. This consent covers physical health services under SB12/TEC 26.009. Mental health or counseling (e.g., emotional support, stress management) follows separate TEA guidelines (TEC 26.0083) and may require additional notice/consent. Contact your campus counselor for details.
What about mandated screenings like vision or hearing? State-mandated screenings (vision, hearing, spinal, etc.) are required by law and do not require additional consent under SB12. Please contact your campus nurse if you wish to opt out of state-mandated screenings.
How do I change my consent later? Contact your campus nurse or Kristen.VonBerg@greatheartstxschools.org at any time. We’ll revise your child’s SNAP record and confirm the changes with you.
Who can I contact with additional questions? Your campus nurse or our Director of Health Services. You can also visit the Health Services website for more details.