As the school year approaches, parents are reminded of the annual task of signing school forms. However, this year, one form holds particular importance for the health of your child. According to school nurses, failure to sign this form could put them in a difficult position.
According to J.C. Bowman, a representative from Professional Educators of Tennessee, it is crucial to sign the medical waiver if it was sent home by your district. He stresses that “the number one thing they need to do is make sure they sign the form.”
According to Bowman, who represents school nurses and teachers across the state, there is a growing concern that some parents may choose not to sign the waiver. This is particularly worrying as, due to the new law, school staff will no longer be able to provide medical care without the signed waiver.
According to Bowman, the individuals concerned about the bill are not just nervous, but also angry about not being given the chance to share their opinions. He advises them to complete and submit the required form promptly to allow the school to take action. He also stresses the importance of verifying that the information has been entered correctly by making a follow-up call.
During this session, the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act was passed. This act mandates that parental consent must be given for any medical treatment a student receives while at school or a public health facility. However, it does provide an exception for emergency situations where immediate medical attention is necessary.
During the legislative session, Representative Jeremy Faison, a Republican from Cosby, emphasized that the bill in question enshrines the right of parents to direct the lives of their children. “This bill is about ensuring that parents have full control over the direction of their children’s lives,” he stated.
According to the bill’s sponsors, there are no mandates on schools, and they are willing to consider any improvements that may benefit the law in the future. However, Bowman has reservations about the possible consequences that school personnel may encounter.
Bowman emphasized that healthcare providers, including doctors and nurses, who break the law could face serious consequences such as losing their license, having it suspended, revoked, or not renewed.
