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Nemours clinician says Delaware law lets students 12 and older consent to school-based care; board discusses notification
Summary
At the meeting a Nemours medical representative explained Delaware law allows adolescents aged 12 and older to consent to certain medical services in school-based health centers. Board members asked for clarification on which schools offer the program and how parent notification is handled.
Board members asked whether state law allows students age 12 and older to receive services in school-based health centers without parental notification. Dr. McDaniel, identified as medical director for the Nemours school-based health program, briefed the board on Delaware law and local operations.
Dr. McDaniel said Delaware law grants legal consent for certain adolescent medical services starting at age 12. She said in practice clinicians encourage students to discuss care with parents and often assist with those conversations, but the statutory consent right at age 12 stands. At the meeting she also explained that the Nemours-operated health center arrangement covers Maurice Pritchett and Bayard (both named in the agenda item) and that Christiana Middle School Honors Academy has a school-based health center operated by a different vendor.
Board members asked for data and for clarity about whether other middle schools will have similar services. A trustee requested staff share the data that underlies contract or program decisions before votes on agenda items that fund or authorize programs.
Ending: The board asked staff to provide the data requested about service outcomes and to confirm which schools have center services and operators; Nemours staff reiterated they advise and encourage parental involvement, but said the statutory consent threshold in Delaware is age 12.
