CS/HB 497 Summary

• Revises the definition of "emergency health needs" in school health services to include onsite evaluation and management of illness or injury pending student's return to classroom or release to parent, guardian, or designated provider.

• Requires school health services plans to include immediate notification procedures when a student is removed from school, school transportation, or school-sponsored activities for involuntary examination under s. 394.463.

• Mandates receiving facilities provide prompt notice of a minor patient's whereabouts to parent, guardian, or guardian advocate by telephone or electronic communication immediately upon arrival, with notification attempts documented and repeated at least hourly for first 12 hours, then daily thereafter.

• Allows up to 24-hour delay in notification if facility has reported suspected abuse, abandonment, or neglect to Central Abuse Hotline and deems delay in minor's best interest.

• Requires public school and charter school principals to immediately notify parents when students are removed for involuntary examination, with authority to delay notification up to 24 hours in abuse/neglect cases; mandates both district school boards and charter school governing boards develop notification policies and procedures.

• Effective date: July 1, 2014.