mental health services; public schools

HB 2862 requires Arizona public schools to obtain explicit parental consent before providing most school-based mental health services to students, including screenings and interventions. It mandates that schools provide written notice to parents before referrals and require detailed intervention plans outlining goals, methods, personnel credentials, and data privacy before services begin. Schools must also post a clear disclaimer on their websites stating that unlicensed staff cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions. The bill directly affects students, parents, and school staff by prioritizing parental involvement in mental health support decisions while exempting certified school psychologists from certain licensing rules.