Oklahoma Senate Bill SB829

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Schools; prohibiting certain acts by school or school employee without parental authorization. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

Should SB829 be enacted, it will significantly impact the way schools administer medical care and handle health-related student needs. Schools will be required to maintain records of all medications administered and to ensure that all actions taken by school staff in relation to a student’s health are pre-approved by a parent or guardian. This added layer of requirement may complicate processes for students who need basic care and could potentially deter schools from offering certain health services due to the red tape involved in obtaining consent.

Summary

Senate Bill 829, introduced by Senator Bullard, amends the Oklahoma statutes regarding the administration of medicine and other health-related actions in schools. The bill primarily prohibits schools and school employees from administering any medicine, including sunscreen, contraceptive drugs, or providing family planning counseling to students without obtaining prior written authorization from a parent or legal guardian. The bill is part of a broader emphasis on parental rights in the context of student health care within school settings. It aims to clarify and restrict the powers of school personnel, ensuring that all medical-related actions involving students require explicit parental consent.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB829 include concerns about the implications of these restrictions on timely health interventions for students. Critics argue that such mandates may delay the administration of necessary treatments or preventative measures, such as sunscreen application or necessary medical advice, particularly for students who may be in school during critical sun exposure times. Proponents of the bill, on the other hand, argue that it is essential to uphold parental authority and ensure that parents are fully informed and involved in their children's health decisions.