Advantages of School-Based Wellness Program:

• Students can experience their care in a comfortable, familiar, and confidential environment

• Less loss of class time and fewer disruptions of regular routines

• Removes barriers to parent transportation and job-related issues that might hinder access to services

• Expedited treatment leading to earlier identification and intervention for students' health needs

Will testing, such as COVID, be done without parent consent/notification? 

No laboratory testing, including COVID testing will be done without a parent’s consent.  The exception is testing that is allowed by law (See next question for details)   

When will parents be notified about interactions with the SWP staff and when won’t they be? 

In most cases, parents will be notified about any care provided to students, except in those cases where Michigan law allows minors to receive services without parental consent.  Even when consent is not required, SWP staff will always encourage students to talk with parents about important health issues. 

• Students who are minors 12-17 years of age, may, without parental/guardian consent, receive advice, testing and/or treatment for the following: substance use disorders, sexually transmitted infection (STI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pregnancy testing, and referral for birth control services.  

• Students who are minors 14-17 years of age, may also seek and receive most outpatient mental health visits up to 12 visits or 4 months without the consent of a parent or guardian. 

Please note: Students can access the above services confidentially, at these ages, at ANY health clinic, including the health department or other family or pediatric provider office, not just at an SWP.   

Services not allowable under Michigan law or SWP program requirements include abortion counseling and referral; or prescribing and dispensing of family planning medications and devices. 

Can a child refuse service if they don’t want to see the school nurse?   

Yes, a child can refuse to be seen by the SWP nurse.  In this case, the usual school staff will provide first aid/illness care.   One of the benefits of having a nurse on-site is that nursing assessment and care may prevent a parent from having to pick up a child from school unnecessarily.   SWP staff will always notify a parent when care is provided.    

What happens in an emergency or if a parent can’t be reached? 

Parental consent and release of information is NOT needed for crisis intervention and emergency care. 

For non-emergency care, one-time only verbal consent is allowed to provide services and then a written consent must be on file.  

How often is consent form signed? 

The consent remains active until withdrawal in writing or by notifying the SWP, or the student reaches 

age 18.  Changes to student information must also be submitted in writing 

Will families be responsible to pay for these services? 

There is no personal out-of-pocket cost for health services provided at the SWP.  If health insurance is available, mental health visits may be billed as this helps to support the program.