Kingsport City Schools Require Parental Consent for Non-Emergent Care

Attention, all parents and guardians in Kingsport! Schools here are rolling out some important changes that you’ll want to be aware of. As of now, school nurses in Kingsport City Schools will need your permission before they can provide your child with **non-emergent care**, such as giving out bandages or ice packs.

This update comes following the passing of the **Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act** by the state, which has mandated this new procedure. A letter was sent to parents this past Friday, explaining the change and directing them to fill out an online consent form. So, if your child is enrolled in Kingsport City Schools, make sure to complete this form as soon as you can.

The reasoning behind this change stems from recommendations by attorneys with the **Tennessee School Board Association**. They believe it’s best to expand the existing consent forms currently in use, due to the new legal requirements.

What does this mean for you and your child? In simple terms, school nurses will not be able to provide any basic first aid care—like a quick bandage for a scraped knee or an ice pack for a minor bump—without your explicit permission. It’s important to note that this requirement applies strictly to **non-emergent care**. If your child needs emergency medical assistance, school personnel will of course take the necessary actions immediately without needing to check for consent first.

Failure to comply with this new Act could have serious consequences for healthcare providers in schools. The state law now gives parents the right to file a **civil suit** against school healthcare providers if they go against this mandate. In addition, the state can revoke the licensing authority of any healthcare provider who violates this new law.

So, what’s next for parents? It’s crucial to frequently check for updates and communications from your child’s school. Be on the lookout for emails or letters regarding this topic and make sure to complete any forms required. The consent forms are available online, so accessing them should be hassle-free.

Why is this Happening?

This law and its implementation seem to be aimed at making sure parents have more control and are better informed about the kinds of care their children receive while they are at school. Parent advocacy groups have lauded the move as a win for parental rights, while some healthcare providers working in schools are apprehensive about how this might affect their day-to-day tasks.

Steps to Take

If you’re a parent or guardian, here’s what you need to do next:

• **Watch for Communication**: Keep an eye on school bulletins, emails, or any other official communications from Kingsport City Schools concerning the consent forms.
• **Fill Out the Consent Form**: Visit the online link as provided by your child’s school to complete the consent form. Schools might provide step-by-step instructions, so follow those carefully.
• **Confirm Receipt**: Once you’ve submitted the form, look for a confirmation email or notification to ensure everything has been properly processed.
• **Stay Informed**: Regularly check for updates on this procedure, as changes and clarifications might be communicated by the school district.

While these changes might seem like an extra step, they’re designed to ensure that you as parents and guardians are fully informed and consenting to the care that your children receive while they are at school. It might also be a good time to sit down with your child and explain this new process, so they understand why their school nurse might now need a bit of extra time before providing simple care.

Keep this key information in mind as the new school year progresses and ensure you’ve done everything on your end to comply with the new requirements. By working together, parents, students, and school staff can make this transition as smooth as possible.

Stay tuned for any additional updates from Kingsport City Schools as this new procedure rolls out across the district.