Opinion: Parents could have less access to information about school-aged children

Elizabeth New warns new bills could restrict parents’ access to school health info

Elizabeth New (Hovde) says that, sadly, the change isn’t about child safety. It’s about helping kids make life-changing health decisions without parents, their primary guides and caregivers

Elizabeth New (Hovde)
Washington Policy Center

“Medical Services and Treatment: The rights related to notification of medical services and treatment are removed.”

The above line is from House Bill 1296’s bill summary. It tells about one of the most important modifications a bill being considered by lawmakers would make to current law regarding the rights of parents and legal guardians of children enrolled in public school. The bill could be moved to a full vote in the Senate after an executive session by a Senate committee on March 27 at 10:30. Many Washington state parents and concerned residents are trying to stop the bill’s forward motion here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/1296.

Another bill proposing the removal of parents’ access to medical information — gained through Initiative 2081 last year — is Senate Bill 5181. It had a public hearing in a House committee on Monday. As of this writing, it hasn’t been scheduled yet for an executive session where a vote could move it along. Many Washingtonians are weighing in on that bill with support or opposition here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/bill/5181.

If House Bill 1296 does go to a full vote in the Senate, get some popcorn ready for a heated discussion. Earlier this month, the House passed 1296 after six-plus hours of debate.

Child health is at the center of these bills: Medical and mental health decisions that a child wants to keep private but that schools are aware of and/or facilitating would be off limits to parents. That’s a big mistake and unhealthy for kids. Research consistently shows higher parental guidance leads to better mental health, stronger social skills, reduced risk-taking and higher academic achievement. I supplied lawmakers with a long list of studies that show the value of parental guidance for child health outcomes.

Some argue this change to Initiative 2081 is needed for cases in which there are unhealthy parent-child relationships. But we already have robust laws protecting kids from abuse. In fact, educators are required to report suspected abuse and should. CPS and law enforcement can step in immediately.

Sadly, this change isn’t about child safety. It’s about helping kids make life-changing health decisions without parents, their primary guides and caregivers.

Our state already allows teens to make important medical decisions on their own. I-2081 did not change that. If HB 1296 or SB 5181 passes, more bad law will reiterate that parents are not welcome in a minor’s medical decisions. Meanwhile, educators can be student confidants at the expense of parents who trust them with their kids and who want to guide their children with their family’s values and beliefs.

Public schools should partner with families, not keep them from information. These bills threaten child health, as well as confidence in the initiative process and K-12 schools.

Elizabeth New (Hovde) is a policy analyst and the director of the Centers for Health Care and Worker Rights at the Washington Policy Center. She is a Clark County resident.