New parental consent law in effect as school resumes across the state
The new law requires the doctor or nurse to consult with parents by phone or text before treatment in non-emergency situations.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - As school starts back, lawmakers are reminding everyone of Tennessee’s new parental consent law.
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.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said he talked with a school nurse who has concerns with some challenges with the new law.
The governor said there may be some adjustments made to it in the future.
“You see that happen in the General Assembly a lot,” Lee said. “There will be a law passed. The next year, there will be an adjustment made to that law. The next year, there may be another adjustment because anticipating every outcome is not always possible.”
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.
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