AZ HB2862

School districts and charter schools must obtain governing board approval before providing school-based mental health support services to students.

Schools must obtain informed parental consent before providing any mental health services to a student, including universal mental health screenings, except in immediate crisis situations.

Schools must provide parents with written notification and obtain written consent before recommending or referring a student to mental health services, and must deliver an individualized intervention plan detailing the service goals, screening tools, personnel qualifications, and information sharing procedures.

Schools must post a disclaimer on their website clarifying that unlicensed school counselors and behavioral interventionists cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and that school psychologists are exempt from state licensing requirements.

School personnel who violate this section may be disciplined by the school board or referred to the state board of education for unprofessional conduct, and parents may pursue civil litigation against personnel, districts, or charter schools for violations.