Schools must review requests for private autism therapy at school

School districts must review each parent's or legal guardian's request for private autism therapy during school hours. Requests cover applied behavior analysis, a form of behavior therapy, and related observations or evaluations for autism. Providers must hold state licenses when available, otherwise national credentials, and remain in good standing. They cannot work for a district or the state education department. A healthcare provider must order the service, and an independent health payer must authorize it. It must meet accepted care standards and be medically necessary during school hours at school. Services cannot be experimental or solely for personal convenience or preference. Access requires individual approval; services beyond school-provided supports must pass a disability-access review without excessively burdening or fundamentally changing school operations. Districts cannot use special education plan decisions to deny or limit access under disability-access rules. For students without special education or disability support plans, districts must also evaluate eligibility for those supports. The law took effect on May 18, 2026.

The State Board of Education must write a model policy requiring safety checks, parent paperwork, and classroom protections for private therapy. The policy covers private providers observing or evaluating students or delivering medically needed autism behavior therapy during the school day. The policy must require parents to confirm funding, authorize school services, and consent to information sharing. Providers must document background checks before entering schools, carry professional liability insurance, and sign district agreements. Providers cannot be on child abuse or sex offender registries or otherwise barred from school work. District agreements must cover school rules, student privacy, missed schoolwork, responsibilities, and liability. Services cannot interfere with other required services unless providers collaborate and agree.

The State Board of Education must finish a model policy, and school districts must adopt policies meeting its minimum requirements. The South Carolina Department of Education must also provide training on requesting school access and guidance on providing services at school. Districts may adopt the model policy or write an alternative that meets its minimum requirements and receives South Carolina Department of Education approval. Policies must include penalties for providers who break district rules, including ending permission to provide services on school campuses. The model policy deadline is January 6, 2027. District policies must be adopted, with department approval for alternatives, by July 1, 2027.