Kingsport City Schools Now Require Parent Consent for Band-Aids and Ice Packs

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Parents with children attending Kingsport City Schools will now need to sign consent forms before school nurses can provide simple non-emergency treatments, such as administering band-aids or giving out ice packs. This decision follows new guidelines stemming from the recently passed “Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act”, according to a letter sent to parents late last week.

In the letter, the school district emphasized that all parents should complete an online consent form to comply with the changes mandated by state law. While the law doesn’t specifically mention school nurses, it has prompted the Tennessee School Board Association’s lawyers to recommend all school districts to update their existing consent forms.

Assistant Superintendent Andy True explained the rationale behind the new policy, “Whereas in the past, consent was typically needed for medications like Advil, we are now advised that treatments such as band-aids and ice packs should also be covered by that consent. We aim to align our practices with the new legal interpretations to ensure compliance.”

True noted that the school system faces the daunting task of collecting consent forms for over 7,000 students within the initial weeks of the new school year. “We want to have this consent on file beforehand so that in situations where a child might come to the clinic with a scrape or cut, we’re not scrambling to get parental consent at that moment,” he added.

The new requirement has generated a range of reactions from parents within the community. KCS parent Brittany Cradic shared her thoughts, describing the new rule as “a little extreme.” However, she acknowledged the underlying intention behind the policy. “I do think that the waters get really muddy whenever any form of government interferes too deeply in family life,” Cradic remarked. “Every parent is different, and you have the right to decide what’s best for you and your family.”

The cautious approach adopted by the schools is likely influenced by the law, which allows parents to bring a civil suit against school healthcare providers who violate the new mandate. Furthermore, the state could revoke the offending healthcare provider’s license if found in violation.

True emphasized the efforts being made to communicate these changes effectively to families. “I think this highlights the level of effort we’re undertaking right now. We want to ensure that we are able to offer these essential services to our students while adhering to what the law requires,” he said.

Parents were directed to an online portal where they could complete the necessary consent forms. The school district believes that by having these forms in place at the start of the school year, it can mitigate potential delays in providing care to students.

The updated consent requirement might appear excessive for minor treatments at school, but it aims to ensure that parents remain involved and informed about their children’s healthcare, even with the simplest of treatments. This ensures that all parties are aligned and aware of the care protocols administered within the school premises.

This introduction of a consent form for minor treatments is part of a broader nationwide trend where schools have started re-evaluating and updating their healthcare policies to ensure strict adherence to new state and federal laws.

As the school year unfolds, Kingsport City Schools will be closely monitoring the new policy’s effectiveness and making necessary adjustments to streamline the process and minimize any disruption it might cause to school health services.

Parents are encouraged to visit the online portal and complete the necessary forms as soon as possible to avoid any interruption in their child’s access to basic healthcare services within the school.

As schools navigate these newly established guidelines, the aim remains clear: to prioritize student safety while involving parents in every aspect of their children’s healthcare journey, even the administration of something as simple as a band-aid or an ice pack.