Home / Education / Texas Schools Struggle with Parental Consent Law, Nurses Unsure of Routine Care
Texas Schools Struggle with Parental Consent Law, Nurses Unsure of Routine Care
5 Sep
Summary
- New state law requires parental consent for school health services
- Nurses worry they could face punishment for routine care like bandages or ice packs
- Inconsistent implementation across school districts, some allow basic care, others only in emergencies
As of September 6th, 2025, a new Texas law requiring schools to obtain parental consent before administering health care services to students has triggered widespread confusion among campus nurses. These healthcare professionals are concerned they could face punishment for routine acts like offering bandages or handing out ice packs.
The confusion stems from Senate Bill 12, a sweeping law that bans diversity, equity and inclusion practices; instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity; and LGBTQ+ student clubs. Incorporated into the law are "parental rights" provisions, which include a requirement for Texas schools to get written approval from parents before offering routine health assistance and medication or conducting medical procedures. School districts are required to take disciplinary action against any employees who provide such services without consent.
In response, enforcement of the legislation has varied widely across the state's more than 1,200 school districts. Some have interpreted the law as still allowing for regular care, like first-aid treatment and injury evaluation. Others have indicated they will not assess or treat a student except in life-threatening emergencies. Nurses say the law's strict enforcement mechanism has left them questioning if they can even put a basket of Band-Aids on their countertop.
As the 2025-26 school year began, some districts prepared robust consent forms for families, while others took an all-or-nothing approach, leaving parents and nurses alike confused about the scope of permissible care.
