Student health examinations, screenings and surveys: parent or guardian consent before a school district assesses a student's mental, emotional or physical health

Section 279.76 of the Iowa Code prohibits a school district from administering or conducting an invasive physical examination of a student, or a student health screening or a formal examination or survey designed to assess the student's mental, emotional or physical health that state or federal law does not require, without first acquiring the written consent of the student's parent or guardian.

The section applies only to a minor child in the direct care of a parent or guardian, and not to an emancipated minor or a minor who is not residing with the parent or guardian.

For an examination or survey designed to assess a student's mental, emotional or physical health that state or federal law requires, the district must give the parent or guardian written notice not less than seven days before it, with a copy of the examination or survey or a link to an internet site where it can be accessed. Subsection 1 does not apply to a hearing, dental or vision screening or examination.

The section does not prohibit a school district from conducting health screenings or invasive physical examinations in emergent care situations or from cooperating in a child abuse assessment.