Senate Education Committee splits on bill requiring written parental consent for some school medical services to be billed to Medicaid

Summary

The Senate Education Committee debated a bill that would require explicit written parental consent before certain school medical or dental services can be billed to Medicaid, with members split over whether the measure protects parental rights or creates a burdensome two‑tier system for Medicaid‑enrolled students.

The Senate Education Committee debated a bill that would require explicit written parental consent before a child may receive certain new medical or dental services in school that would be billed to Medicaid.

Committee chair Ward opened consideration of "34" and members spent more than an hour discussing whether written consent would be required only for billing or would effectively bar in‑the‑moment changes to services under students' individualized education programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.

Supporters of the requirement said written consent protects parental rights and clarifies billing procedures. Senator Sullivan said, "I don't see anything wrong with getting parental consent," and argued schools should make more effort to obtain signatures.

Opponents warned the change could create a two-tiered system for students with Medicaid. One committee member said, "This will immediately create a 2 tiered system of support…

Senate Education Committee splits on bill requiring written parental consent for some school medical services to be billed to Medicaid

Summary

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