Dear TFSD Families,
Due to recent legislative changes, the Twin Falls School District is reviewing the process through which our students access a variety of services that may be classified as “health care.” Senate Bill 1329 indicates that parents must provide prior consent before minors can receive services such as mental health care. You may remember seeing a notice we provided earlier this year explaining what “school counseling” entails. This notice explained which areas are often thought to be included in school counseling but which under the new law may be considered health care.
Our school counselors remain committed to supporting our students as they grow and learn in our schools. In order to address the new legal requirements, we ask that parents take a moment to provide prior consent for their child to see a school counselor in the event that they are dealing with an issue that goes beyond academic school counseling. As always, our counselors will continue to adhere to Idaho’s Parental Rights Law and communicate with parents/guardians when a student indicates a change to their mental or physical health.
Additionally, some districts are interpreting this new law to include basic first aid such as providing a bandaid or ice pack to a student. The Twin Falls School District classifies these services as part of our general school operations. If you do not want your child to receive basic, non-invasive, first aid services, such as band-aids or ice packs, please contact your school’s administrator.