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State Board adopts telehealth guidelines for student participation in secondary schools
Summary
Following 2024 legislation requiring guidance, MSDE and MDH presented statewide telehealth guidelines for secondary schools covering consent, confidentiality, scheduling equity, in‑person support, crisis protocols and IT security; the board voted to adopt the guidance and set LEA implementation deadlines.
The State Board adopted state superintendent guidance for student participation in telehealth appointments in secondary schools, required by recent state legislation. MSDE and the Maryland Department of Health convened a diverse stakeholder work group to draft statewide guidelines, which the board reviewed and approved.
The guidance distinguishes two models: parent/student‑initiated telehealth (no formal LEA provider agreement) and school‑practitioner‑initiated telehealth (formal agreements between LEAs and health providers). It asks LEAs to ensure private spaces for sessions (not bathrooms or closets), to plan crisis‑management procedures, to establish scheduling protocols and equity limits for appointment access, and to safeguard medical records and IT security in line with state standards.
MSDE emphasized that LEAs retain flexibility in local policies but must publish telehealth policies and include them in student handbooks by the 2025–26 school year. The guidance also highlights school‑based health centers as a resource for implementation and recommends that LEAs designate trained student‑services staff to support students during appointments.
Board members approved the guidance by voice vote; MSDE said it will provide technical assistance, training and follow‑up materials for LEAs implementing the policy.
What’s next: LEAs will draft local telehealth policies aligned to the state guidance and publish them; MSDE will offer technical assistance and be available to answer implementation questions.
