§7101 General provisions

Summary

Schools and other groups that get these federal funds must get a parent’s written, informed permission before giving any mental‑health assessment or service to a child under 18. Before asking for that permission, the school must give the parent a written notice saying what the assessment or service is for, who will provide it, when it will start, and how long it may last. Giving permission does not make the parent give up any rights under section 1232g of this title. Permission is not required in an emergency to protect immediate safety, or when the school tried to get permission but reasonably could not, as decided by the state or local school system (for example, if the parent did not respond to the notice or the child is 14 or older and is an unaccompanied youth as defined in 42 U.S.C. 11434a). Federal funds under this program may not pay for medical services or drug treatment or rehabilitation, except for integrated student supports, specialized instructional support services, or referring impacted students for treatment (including students who are victims or witnesses of crime or who illegally use drugs). No child may be forced to get a prescription for a controlled substance (as defined in 21 U.S.C. 802) as a condition of getting an evaluation or service under this program or of attending a school that receives these funds.