Florida State Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-92) has introduced House Bill 219 (HB 219), a legislative proposal aimed at reinforcing parental rights in student health screenings within Florida’s K-12 public school system.
The bill seeks to increase transparency between schools and parents regarding health-related services while ensuring that parents maintain control over their children’s medical decisions.
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HB 219 amends Florida statutes 1001.42 and 1014.06 to include provisions that:
- Require schools to notify parents of any health screenings or medical procedures planned for their child.
- Allow parents to opt-out of any health screenings by providing written notification.
- Ensure parental access to their child’s educational and health records related to school-provided medical services.
- Mandate parental consent for any health questionnaire or screening conducted for students in kindergarten through third grade.
- Ban school districts from adopting policies that discourage or restrict parental notification regarding a student’s mental, emotional, or physical well-being.
The bill is designed to reinforce the fundamental right of parents to make medical decisions for their children while ensuring public schools comply with parental oversight requirements.
A central theme of HB 219 is to ensure transparency in school health services. The bill aligns with Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act by establishing strict notification requirements for parents before any medical assessments or interventions occur in schools.
“At the beginning of the school year, each school district shall notify parents of each health care service offered at their student’s school and the option to withhold consent or decline any specific service,” the bill states.
Additionally, the legislation aims to protect students’ privacy rights, reinforcing that parents have the authority to review and approve any health screenings conducted in schools.
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The bill also strengthens regulations regarding medical procedures performed on minors, ensuring that healthcare professionals and schools cannot proceed without explicit parental consent. This applies to:
- Mental health services
- Physical health screenings
- Vaccinations or other medical interventions
- Any non-emergency procedures
Violations of these provisions could result in disciplinary action for healthcare practitioners, including misdemeanor charges for those who administer health services without parental approval.
If passed, HB 219 will take effect on July 1, 2025.
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