This bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to establish guidelines for dental screenings for K-12 students. It defines "dental screening" as a limited, non-invasive visual inspection of the mouth and oral cavity aimed at identifying obvious signs of dental disease or abnormality, explicitly stating that it does not include diagnosis or treatment. The bill allows dental screenings to be conducted under the school health services program after providing written notice to parents or guardians, who will have the opportunity to opt out. Additionally, it clarifies that the requirement for parental consent does not apply to these screenings, thereby streamlining the process for schools to implement preventive dental programs.

The bill also revises notification requirements for district school boards regarding health services, ensuring that parents are informed about the dental screenings and their right to exempt their children from such services. It emphasizes that these screenings are not invasive and that any invasive procedures would still require parental consent. The effective date for the implementation of this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1136 Filed: 1001.42, 1014.06
S 1136 c1: 1001.42