The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to establish guidelines for dental screenings for K-12 students as part of the school health services program. 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, while clarifying that it does not include diagnosis or treatment. The bill allows dental screenings to be conducted after providing written notice to parents or guardians, who will have the opportunity to opt out. Additionally, it specifies that certain parental consent requirements do not apply to these screenings, ensuring that they can be performed without prior written consent, provided that parents are informed and given the chance to decline.
The bill also revises notification requirements for district school boards regarding health services, including dental screenings, and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in decisions affecting their children's health. It ensures that parents are informed about the health services offered at schools and their right to decline specific services. The effective date for the implementation of these changes is set for July 1, 2026.
Statutes affected: H 1091 Filed: 1001.42, 1014.06
H 1091 c1: 1001.42