SB 12 FAQs

SB 12 requires that all Texas public school districts obtain yearly parental consent before offering routine school-based health services.

With your consent, the following services may be provided:

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

• Vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings
• Monitoring chronic health conditions

Mental Health Services (provided by counselors or mental health staff):

• Goal setting and academic planning
• Course selection guidance
• College and career planning
• Study skills and test anxiety support
• Coping strategies and stress management
• Friendship and conflict resolution skills
• Building positive relationships
• Managing emotions and decision-making
• Immediate support during difficult times
• Grief and trauma-informed care
• Safety planning when needed
• Connecting families to community resources
• Suicide prevention education
• Bullying and cyberbullying prevention
• Substance abuse prevention
• Character development

Some services can be provided without the SB12 consent form:

• First aid and injury evaluation
• Support for illness or physical symptoms at school
• Prevention and support for heat-related illnesses in student athletes

Some services can be provided without the SB12 consent form:

• Immediate safety support - Providing crisis intervention when students express thoughts of self-harm or experience severe emotional distress
• Support during difficult times - Helping students cope with traumatic events, family emergencies, or significant losses that affect their ability to function at school
• Protective response services - Intervening when students disclose situations that may compromise their safety or well-being, as required by state law

Some procedures require separate consent beyond the SB12 form (unless it’s an emergency or legally exempt):

• Medical or psychological diagnoses
• Administration of prescription or over-the-counter medications
• Scheduled nursing procedures
• Subjective harm to self screener

Services are provided by Licensed School Nurses, Athletic Trainers, Professional School Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, and other certified health professionals employed by the district.

Log in to Skyward Family Access, find the SB 12 Annual Consent Form, and select your choice.

In serious emergencies, staff will act to protect your child and contact you immediately.

Yes. You may grant or revoke consent at any time by submitting a written request to your campus office.

Yes. All student health records are protected under state and federal privacy laws.

School counselors maintain confidentiality to create a safe space for students to share concerns, but will communicate with parents when there are safety issues, significant concerns about your child's wellbeing, or when sharing information will help support your child's success.