SB 631: Requiring Parental Consent for School-Based Web Counseling Services
Overview Resources
- PA 1970 Act 10: Requires parental consent for children under 14 for mental health treatment. Does not mention whether or not this applies to virtual care. Does not require parental notification that their child has consented to care.
- FAQs for PA Mental Healthcare Parental Consent Laws
- PA Bill Page: SB 631 – Pennsylvania General Assembly
- LegiScan Tracking: SB 631 – LegiScan Tracking Page
Big Concept Resources
Pros
- Nearly half of voters say trust in public education declined since pandemic
- School Crisis Line Under Fire for Online Predator Risk
- Parents Are Fed Up With Public Schools Secretly Transitioning Children
- Maine Mom Sues School Board for Hiding Child’s ‘Gender Transition’
- Ensures parents are informed and involved before schools provide virtual mental health services to their children.
- Increases transparency regarding the use of telehealth and artificial intelligence in student counseling.
- Reinforces parental authority over healthcare-related decisions affecting minors.
- https://www.aclupa.org/legislation/sb-913-requiring-parental-consent-virtual-school-counseling-services/
Cons
- Parental Consent Rules May Hinder Teen Mental Health Treatment
- Confidentiality from parents allows students to be safe to share important information, such as abuse or neglect: Legal and Ethical Issues in Working with Parents
- Yet another consent form adds a burden on schools and families
- May delay or reduce student access to mental health support when parental consent is unavailable.
- Could discourage students from seeking help for sensitive mental health concerns.
- Creates additional administrative requirements for schools and mental health providers.
- https://news.feinberg.northwestern.edu/2024/12/10/parental-consent-rules-may-hinder-teen-mental-health-treatment/
