Senate Bill 12

Senate Bill 12: Parental Rights

Senate Bill 12, which became effective law on September 1, 2025 requires school districts to seek parental consent from parents for health services provided to students.

After receiving clarification from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), school districts can seek parental consent under Senate Bill 12 through a selective opt-out option. This means that moving forward, parental consent for routine services is presumed unless a parent chooses to opt-out of a particular routine health services offered by the school district. Prior to receiving this clarification from TEA, Westlake Academy sent parents a routine health services form that asked parents to opt-in or opt-out of routine health services for each child in their family.

After receiving clarification from TEA, those parents who chose not to provide consent through the Routine Health Services Consent Form will now have the option to opt-out of routine health services for their child utilizing a Health Services Opt-Out Form. Parents can contact their campus for this form.

Routine Health Services That May Be Opted Out Of

Physical Health Services (by school nurses)

First aid* (Although this is considered a health service under law, TEA has now clarified that first aid must be provided to all students, regardless of parental consent as a general caretaking responsibility of school districts)
Injury evaluation
Administration of over-the-counter or prescription medications per school policy
Monitoring of chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes)
Vision, Hearing, Acanthosis Nigricans, and Scoliosis screenings
Support during illness or physical symptoms at school
Heat illness prevention and injury support for student athletes

Mental Health Services (by professional school counselor)

Short-term individual counseling or check-ins
Comprehensive student-success needs assessment (academic related behavior needs like study skills and school involvement, not for mental health diagnostic purposes)
Small group counseling
Support during emotional distress or crisis, including assessment following a reported concern of student self-harm or harm to others
Behavioral observations and problem-solving
Referral to external providers, if needed (with additional consent)

The consent does not include formal medical or psychological diagnosis, prescription medication administration without proper authorization or ongoing therapy or treatment requiring parental notification under law. These activities would require separate written consent and parental involvement, unless in emergency or legally exempt circumstances.

If any health services are needed beyond the routine services, campus staff will contact the parent to discuss their child’s additional needs and seek further consent for non-routine health services recommended.

Westlake Academy is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School committed to fostering internationally minded learners. As part of our mission, we integrate the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills into daily instruction across all grade levels. These elements guide our teaching and learning to develop students who are knowledgeable, reflective, and principled global citizens. Additionally, all advisory and counseling lessons are designed and delivered through this same IB lens, ensuring consistency in developing the whole child.

Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skill Categories:

Thinking Skills – Critical, creative, and reflective thinking
Communication Skills – Exchanging ideas effectively through various modes
Social Skills – Collaboration, empathy, and relationship-building
Self-Management Skills – Organization, affective skills, and reflection
Research Skills – Information literacy, media literacy, and inquiry-based learning.

FAQ

Why am I receiving this form?

During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, Senate Bill 12 was passed, requiring all public school districts in Texas to obtain yearly parental consent before providing routine school-based health and counseling services.

Westlake Academy continues to offer the same services as in previous years. The only change is that parents must now give annual consent for these services through Powerschool.

What are "routine school-based health services"?

Physical Health Services (provided by school nurses and athletic trainers) include:

Injury evaluation and first-aid treatment
Assessment of illness or physical symptoms at school, including nursing assessment
Use of non-pharmacological interventions such as ice packs, heating pads, peppermint
Communicable disease or symptom evaluation, exclusion, and readmission
Hygiene and health education (handwashing, illness prevention, general wellness, providing clean clothing or menstrual supplies)

Routine Counseling Services (provided by school counselors or mental health staff) include:

Short-term individual counseling or check-ins
Group support and counseling
Support during emotional distress or crisis
Behavioral observations and problem-solving strategies
Referral to community providers, if needed (with additional consent)

What services can my child receive without consent?

A child can receive:

Emergency health responses

Legally mandated activities that do not require consent, including:

Behavioral Threat Assessments
Activities involving Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
State Required Lessons, including: Suicide Prevention, Abuse, Dating Violence,

How do I give or refuse consent?

The Mandatory Annual Consent Form for Routine Student Health Services was sent to all parents multiple times and will be sent a final time by Nov. 3rd to parents of any student we have not received a response from. Failure to respond will be considered Opting In for your student to receive services. The final day to complete the Consent Form for the 2025-2026 school year is November 7. Should you change your decision after that date you may contact the Registrar’s office and we will give you instructions on how to make the change, Once you have we have

Parents who do not reply to the survey are opting in for services to for their children.

How long does consent last?

Once provided, consent applies for the entire school year.

What if I change my mind on consent?

You may rescind your initial decision anytime during the year by reaching out to the Registrar’s Office at: registrar@westlakeacademy.orgDirector of Accountability: Darcy McFarlane: dmcfarlane@westlakeacademy.org

What happens in an emergency if I denied consent?

Westlake Academy staff will contact you and ensure the safety of your child by providing immediate care.