{"id":148,"date":"2025-10-27T18:25:27","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T18:25:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parentsrightsusa.org\/?page_id=148"},"modified":"2026-02-20T01:13:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T01:13:11","slug":"comprehensive-list-of-tennessee-parental-rights-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/parentsrightsusa.org\/index.php\/comprehensive-list-of-tennessee-parental-rights-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Comprehensive List of Tennessee Parental Rights Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Mental Health, Surveys, Assessments &amp; Related Protections<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 1: Fundamental Parental Rights<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 36-8-103 \u2013 Parents&#8217; Fundamental Rights (Families&#8217; Rights and Responsibilities Act)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Declares parental authority over mental health decisions as a fundamental right; establishes exclusive right to make all mental healthcare decisions; prohibits government from withholding mental health information from parents. Enacted as Public Chapter 1061 (2024), effective July 1, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Provisions:<\/strong><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn1\"><sup>[1]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn2\"><sup>[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parental right to direct mental health is a &#8220;fundamental right&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exclusive right to make all mental healthcare decisions and consent to treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Government must demonstrate compelling interest to burden parental rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public employees cannot withhold information about child&#8217;s mental health<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-36\/chapter-8\/section-36-8-103\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 36-8-103 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 2: Healthcare Provider Consent Requirements<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 63-1-176 \u2013 Parental Consent Required for Treatment of Minors<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Prohibits healthcare providers from treating, diagnosing, prescribing, or rendering psychological\/counseling services to minors without parental consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prohibited Without Consent:<\/strong><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn3\"><sup>[3]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn4\"><sup>[4]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn5\"><sup>[5]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Treating, diagnosing, operating on any physical ailment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prescribing, dispensing, delivering, or administering any drug<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rendering psychological services (\u00a7\u00a7 63-11-202, 63-11-203)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rendering counseling services (\u00a7 63-22-122)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/srvhlaw.com\/news-insights\/new-tennessee-law-regulating-medical-care-for-minors\/\"><strong>New Tennessee Law Regulating Medical Care for Minors (Legal Analysis)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 63-1-173 \u2013 Tennessee Wellness Law<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Requires parental consent for wellness-related healthcare services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-63\/chapter-1\/part-1\/section-63-1-173\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 63-1-173 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 3: School Mental Health Screenings &amp; Assessments<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 49-2-124 \u2013 Universal Mental Health or Socioemotional Screening<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Requires written, active, informed consent before any mental health screening; parents may refuse psychotropic medication; parents may withdraw consent at any time; schools cannot penalize refusal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parental Rights:<\/strong><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn6\"><sup>[6]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn7\"><sup>[7]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn8\"><sup>[8]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Written, active, informed, voluntarily signed consent required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Right to refuse psychotropic medication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schools cannot prohibit attendance based on refusal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schools cannot report abuse\/neglect based on refusal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schools cannot threaten sanctions to coerce consent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-2\/part-1\/section-49-2-124\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 49-2-124 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 4: Student Surveys, Questionnaires &amp; Evaluations<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 49-2-211 \u2013 Policy for Student Surveys, Analyses or Evaluations<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Requires written, informed consent for all student surveys; parents must review surveys before administration; parents may withdraw consent at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Requirements:<\/strong><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn7\"><sup>[7]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parents must review all surveys before administration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Written, informed, voluntarily signed consent required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parents may withdraw consent anytime<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schools must disclose purpose and who accesses results<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-2\/part-2\/section-49-2-211\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 49-2-211 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) \u2013 20 U.S.C. \u00a7 1232h \u2013 Federal Protection for Student Surveys<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Federal law requiring consent\/opt-out for surveys revealing mental or psychological problems; applies to all Tennessee schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Protected Categories:<\/strong><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn9\"><sup>[9]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn10\"><sup>[10]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn11\"><sup>[11]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn12\"><sup>[12]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mental or psychological problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Political affiliations or beliefs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sex behavior or attitudes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating behavior<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Religious practices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Income information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/20\/1232h\"><strong>20 U.S.C. \u00a7 1232h (Cornell Law)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 5: Student Data Privacy &amp; Collection<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 49-1-704 \u2013 Right of Parents to Inspect Education Records<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Ensures parents can inspect and review all education records, including mental health-related information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-704\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 49-1-704 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn13\"><sup>[13]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 49-1-705 \u2013 LEAs and Schools Not to Collect Certain Individual Student Data<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Prohibits collection of political affiliation, religion, voting history, and firearms ownership data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-705\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 49-1-705 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn14\"><sup>[14]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn15\"><sup>[15]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 49-1-706 \u2013 Written Consent Required for Biometric and Physiological Data<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Requires parental consent for collection of biometric data including facial expressions, EEG brain waves, heart rate, eye-tracking, and other physiological data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Data Requiring Consent:<\/strong><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn16\"><sup>[16]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn17\"><sup>[17]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Facial expression analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>EEG brain wave patterns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skin conductance and galvanic skin response<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heart-rate variability and pulse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blood volume and posture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eye-tracking data<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-706\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 49-1-706 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 6: Sensitive Curriculum &amp; Instruction<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 49-6-1308 \u2013 Notification of Instruction of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Curriculum<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Requires written consent 30 days prior to instruction on sexual orientation\/gender identity topics that may include mental health discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Requirements:<\/strong><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn18\"><sup>[18]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn19\"><sup>[19]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>30-day advance notice to parents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Written, informed, voluntarily signed consent required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parents may examine materials and confer with instructors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parents may withdraw consent anytime<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-6\/part-13\/section-49-6-1308\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 49-6-1308 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 49-6-7003 \u2013 Inspection of Instructional Materials<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Parents have right to review all teaching materials including mental health-related curriculum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/education\/legal\/State_Statutory_Rights_Parents_Students.pdf\"><strong>State Statutory Rights Document (PDF)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn20\"><sup>[20]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 7: School Clubs &amp; Extracurricular Activities<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 49-6-1031 \u2013 Extracurricular Activities<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Requires written parental consent for minors to join school clubs or organizations, including those addressing mental health topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Requirements:<\/strong><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn21\"><sup>[21]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn22\"><sup>[22]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Schools must notify parents of all available clubs\/organizations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must disclose mission and purpose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Written consent required before participation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applies to all clubs including peer support groups<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-6\/part-10\/section-49-6-1031\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 49-6-1031 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 8: Special Education &amp; Student Services<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 49-10-1304 \u2013 Isolation and Restraint in Special Education<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Parents must be notified if restraint or isolation is used; may demand IEP review meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/education\/legal\/State_Statutory_Rights_Parents_Students.pdf\"><strong>State Statutory Rights Document (PDF)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn20\"><sup>[20]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 9: Rights of Older Minors<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 33-8-202 \u2013 Rights of Child Sixteen (16) Years of Age or Older<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Grants minors 16+ certain rights to consent to mental health treatment, but parents retain access to prescription records and must be notified of suicidal ideation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parental Protections Maintained:<\/strong><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn23\"><sup>[23]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn24\"><sup>[24]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn25\"><sup>[25]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parents may access prescription records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treating professionals must report suicidal ideations to parents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parents retain oversight rights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-33\/chapter-8\/part-2\/section-33-8-202\/\"><strong>Tennessee Code \u00a7 33-8-202 (Justia Law)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Category 10: Government Resources &amp; Legislative Updates<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>State Statutory Rights of Parents and Students (Revised July 2024)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Tennessee Department of Education&#8217;s complete compilation of all parental rights statutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/education\/legal\/State_Statutory_Rights_Parents_Students.pdf\"><strong>Download Complete Rights Document (PDF)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn26\"><sup>[26]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn20\"><sup>[20]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>2025 Legislative Summary<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Current summaries of laws affecting parental rights and mental health services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/behavioral-health\/mhsa-law\/legislative-summaries\/2025-legislative-summary.html\"><strong>2025 Legislative Updates (TN.gov)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn27\"><sup>[27]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>2024 Legislative Summary<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Previous year summaries of laws affecting parental rights and mental health services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/behavioral-health\/mhsa-law\/legislative-summaries\/2024-legislative-summary.html\"><strong>2024 Legislative Updates (TN.gov)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn28\"><sup>[28]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Senate Bill 2749\/House Bill 2936<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Full legislative history and text of the primary parental rights legislation (Public Chapter 1061 of 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/TN\/bill\/SB2749\/2023\"><strong>SB2749 Legislative History (LegiScan)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn29\"><sup>[29]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>FERPA &amp; PPRA Implementation Guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> State guidance on implementing federal student privacy and parental consent requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/eplan.tn.gov\/documentlibrary\/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentKey=2370417&amp;inline=true\"><strong>FERPA &amp; PPRA Review Guide (TN.gov)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn30\"><sup>[30]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>School-Based Behavioral Health Liaisons Program<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Information on parental consent requirements for school-based mental health services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/behavioral-health\/children-youth-young-adults-families\/sbbhl.html\"><strong>School Mental Health Services (TN.gov)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn31\"><sup>[31]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Department of Children&#8217;s Services \u2013 Parental Rights<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Description:<\/strong> Rights for parents to participate in mental health treatment planning for children in state care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udd17 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/dcs\/program-areas\/foster-care\/birth-parents\/clients-rights.html\"><strong>DCS Parental Rights Information (TN.gov)<\/strong><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn32\"><sup>[32]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This comprehensive list contains <strong>21 statutes, regulations, and official resources<\/strong> organized into <strong>10 categories<\/strong> that govern parental rights over children&#8217;s mental health in Tennessee. The foundational law is the <strong>Families&#8217; Rights and Responsibilities Act<\/strong> (TCA \u00a7 36-8-103), which establishes parental authority as a fundamental right. This is supported by specific healthcare consent requirements (TCA \u00a7 63-1-176), school mental health screening protections (TCA \u00a7 49-2-124), comprehensive survey consent laws (TCA \u00a7 49-2-211), data privacy statutes (TCA \u00a7\u00a7 49-1-704 through 49-1-706), and federal protections under PPRA. Together, these laws ensure that parents maintain primary decision-making authority over all aspects of their children&#8217;s mental health care, assessments, surveys, and related activities.<a><\/a><a href=\"#fn5\"><sup>[5]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn12\"><sup>[12]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn15\"><sup>[15]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn1\"><sup>[1]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn6\"><sup>[6]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn7\"><sup>[7]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn13\"><sup>[13]<\/sup><\/a><a><\/a><a href=\"#fn16\"><sup>[16]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2042<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a id=\"fn1\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-36\/chapter-8\/section-36-8-103\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-36\/chapter-8\/section-36-8-103\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn2\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/washingtonstand.com\/news\/families-rights-and-responsibilities-act-protects-parental-rights-in-tennessee\">https:\/\/washingtonstand.com\/news\/families-rights-and-responsibilities-act-protects-parental-rights-in-tennessee<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn3\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tba.org\/?pg=Articles&amp;blAction=showEntry&amp;blogEntry=121731\">https:\/\/www.tba.org\/?pg=Articles&amp;blAction=showEntry&amp;blogEntry=121731<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn4\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/youthlaw.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2024-10\/NCYLMinorConsentCompendium2024-Tennessee.pdf\">https:\/\/youthlaw.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2024-10\/NCYLMinorConsentCompendium2024-Tennessee.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn5\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/srvhlaw.com\/news-insights\/new-tennessee-law-regulating-medical-care-for-minors\/\">https:\/\/srvhlaw.com\/news-insights\/new-tennessee-law-regulating-medical-care-for-minors\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn6\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-2\/part-1\/section-49-2-124\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-2\/part-1\/section-49-2-124\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn7\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-2\/part-2\/section-49-2-211\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-2\/part-2\/section-49-2-211\/<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn8\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/socacrosstn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Comp-School-Mental-Health-Guide-FINAL-1-28-19.pdf\">https:\/\/socacrosstn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Comp-School-Mental-Health-Guide-FINAL-1-28-19.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn9\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/studentprivacycompass.org\/faqs-ppra\/\">https:\/\/studentprivacycompass.org\/faqs-ppra\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn10\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schoolcounselor.org\/Magazines\/March-April-2021\/Protecting-Pupil-Rights\">https:\/\/www.schoolcounselor.org\/Magazines\/March-April-2021\/Protecting-Pupil-Rights<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn11\"><\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/studentprivacy.ed.gov\/faq\/what-protection-pupil-rights-amendment-ppra\">http:\/\/studentprivacy.ed.gov\/faq\/what-protection-pupil-rights-amendment-ppra<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn12\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/20\/1232h\">https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/20\/1232h<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn13\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-704\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-704\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn14\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/2021\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-705\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/2021\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-705\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn15\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-705\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-705\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn16\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-706\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-1\/part-7\/section-49-1-706\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn17\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bassberry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/tennesseedomesticprofileprivacydatasecurity.pdf\">https:\/\/www.bassberry.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/tennesseedomesticprofileprivacydatasecurity.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn18\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-6\/part-13\/section-49-6-1308\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-6\/part-13\/section-49-6-1308\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn19\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/siecus.org\/stateprofiles\/tennessee-state-profile-2025\/\">https:\/\/siecus.org\/stateprofiles\/tennessee-state-profile-2025\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn20\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/education\/legal\/State_Statutory_Rights_Parents_Students.pdf\">https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/education\/legal\/State_Statutory_Rights_Parents_Students.pdf<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn21\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-6\/part-10\/section-49-6-1031\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-49\/chapter-6\/part-10\/section-49-6-1031\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn22\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/edtrust.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/6.7-Know-Your-Rights-Presentation-_-2023-Tennessee-Censorship-Laws.pptx.pdf\">https:\/\/edtrust.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/6.7-Know-Your-Rights-Presentation-_-2023-Tennessee-Censorship-Laws.pptx.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn23\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-33\/chapter-8\/part-2\/section-33-8-202\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-33\/chapter-8\/part-2\/section-33-8-202\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn24\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/victimrights.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Minors-FAQ-Tennessee.pdf\">https:\/\/victimrights.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Minors-FAQ-Tennessee.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn25\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/2010\/title-33\/chapter-8\/part-2\/33-8-202\/\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/2010\/title-33\/chapter-8\/part-2\/33-8-202\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn26\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/education\/legal\/legal_state_statuatory_rights_of_parents_and_students.pdf\">https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/education\/legal\/legal_state_statuatory_rights_of_parents_and_students.pdf<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn27\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/behavioral-health\/mhsa-law\/legislative-summaries\/2025-legislative-summary.html\">https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/behavioral-health\/mhsa-law\/legislative-summaries\/2025-legislative-summary.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn28\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/behavioral-health\/mhsa-law\/legislative-summaries\/2024-legislative-summary.html\">https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/behavioral-health\/mhsa-law\/legislative-summaries\/2024-legislative-summary.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn29\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/legiscan.com\/TN\/bill\/SB2749\/2023\">https:\/\/legiscan.com\/TN\/bill\/SB2749\/2023<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn30\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/eplan.tn.gov\/documentlibrary\/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentKey=2370417&amp;inline=true\">https:\/\/eplan.tn.gov\/documentlibrary\/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentKey=2370417&amp;inline=true<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn31\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/behavioral-health\/children-youth-young-adults-families\/sbbhl.html\">https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/behavioral-health\/children-youth-young-adults-families\/sbbhl.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a id=\"fn32\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/dcs\/program-areas\/foster-care\/birth-parents\/clients-rights.html\">https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/dcs\/program-areas\/foster-care\/birth-parents\/clients-rights.html<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mental Health, Surveys, Assessments &amp; Related Protections Category 1: Fundamental Parental Rights Tennessee Code Annotated \u00a7 36-8-103 \u2013 Parents&#8217; Fundamental Rights (Families&#8217; Rights and Responsibilities Act) Description: Declares parental authority over mental health decisions as a fundamental right; establishes exclusive right to make all mental healthcare decisions; prohibits government from withholding mental health information from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"fullwidth.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-148","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Comprehensive List of Tennessee Parental Rights Laws - Parents&#039; Rights USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/parentsrightsusa.org\/index.php\/comprehensive-list-of-tennessee-parental-rights-laws\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" 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