FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paige Gehlhausen, Press Secretary
Paige.Gehlhausen@iga.in.gov
317-232-9425
Statement from State Sen. Andy Zay
State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) made the following statement regarding Senate Bill 272:
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 1, 2024) – "I authored Senate Bill 272 to address two major issues within school-based health centers. First, schools should be focusing primarily on education. Second, and my biggest concern, is the need for clear parental consent and parental involvement.
"I strongly believe our education system should not intersect with our health care system. To ensure this boundary is not crossed, there must be standards for school-based health centers to follow and that is what my bill aimed to do.
"The lack of parental consent and parental engagement within school-based health centers is also a major problem that must be addressed. It is a parent's responsibility to give consent for their child's health appointments and even more so, be present when their child is receiving service from a health care provider until they are considered a legal adult. SB 272 would prohibit school-based health providers from diagnosing or treating a minor until parental consent is received or a parent is present at the time of the service. Parental rights cannot be overlooked or denied, and this bill would ensure those rights are safeguarded.
"I am disappointed SB 272 will not continue moving through the legislative process this session. These issues have not been resolved and will always stand as a strong advocate for parental rights."
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State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) represents Senate District 17,
which includes Grant, Huntington and Wabash counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
