The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation mandating schools to obtain parental consent before offering certain virtual services, according to Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), the bill’s sponsor.
Currently, schools must annually secure parental consent for student participation in various activities and services. Senate Bill 913 extends this requirement to include parental consent before providing students with uncertified or unregulated behavioral health support. In-person, school-based counseling and licensed telehealth services are not affected by this bill.
“Our youth face a mental health crisis on a daily basis, which led the General Assembly to increase funding and resources to combat this problem. Yet, the implementation of some of these services has raised concerns,” said Langerholc. “This bill is simple. Parents should be notified of third-party mental health services and be required to provide consent.”
The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Gwenn Dando
