A new Tennessee law has school nurses concerned since it could put their licenses at risk. For nurses nationwide, this new law is notable, though, because it highlights the challenges facing healthcare professionals in educational environments. If you hold a professional license, here's what you need to know about the new legislation to protect yourself.
The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team is keeping an eye on legislation across the U.S. We can help you protect and defend your professional license. If you'd like to talk to us about your work as a school nurse, give us a call at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form.
About the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act
Earlier this year, the Tennessee legislature passed the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act. At the time, the legislation got little attention, but as a new school year begins, school nurses are grappling with new parameters being attached to their work.
Under the law, school nurses are no longer allowed to administer non-emergency treatment to minors without parental permission. Parents can sign a waiver to give blanket permission for treatment, but for students without those waivers, both healthcare workers and educators are struggling to determine exactly what constitutes non-emergency treatment.
Penalties for Violating the Act
For Tennessee's healthcare professionals, the new law is concerning because of the penalties attached to it. If a medical professional is found to be in violation of the law, the state licensing board is directed to conduct an investigation.
Possible penalties for violating the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act include:
- License suspension
- License revocation
- Refusal to renew an expiring license
- Civil legal action
What This Means for Professionals
In Tennessee, the school year is in full swing, which means educators are already grappling with the changes. The act prohibits school nurses and schools in general from treating, diagnosing, providing prescriptions, and providing mental health counseling to students without parental consent.
Tennessee is part of a national movement where states are pushing to ensure parents have full control over their children's healthcare. With a school nursing shortage, some experts worry that this new law will push more medical professionals to leave education in favor of private medicine, where the pay is higher and government interference is more limited.
Your Options as a Healthcare Professional
If you're in a state where parental consent is required before children can be treated, it's important to know your options. Some healthcare professionals, concerned they might inadvertently violate the law and lose their licenses, are opting to leave education altogether.
School nurses don't have to leave, though. You have rights as a practicing professional. An experienced attorney can advise you on how to protect your license while also practicing in your chosen profession. If you're already facing disciplinary action, an attorney can offer the support you need as you face off against the state licensing board.
Professional License Defense for School Nurses
If you're a medical professional working in a school environment, you may be concerned about these new laws. The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team has experience in helping student nurses defend their licenses and can offer advice specific to your situation. If you're concerned about legislation, or you're already facing disciplinary action for providing healthcare to a student, give us a call at 888-535-3686 or complete our online form.
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