(a)

1. (1) The public agency proposing to conduct an initial evaluation to determine if a child qualifies as a child with a disability under 34 C.F.R. § 300.8 must, after providing notice consistent with 34 C.F.R. §§ 300.503 and 300.504, obtain informed consent, consistent with 34 C.F.R. § 300.1, from the parent of the child before conducting the evaluation.
2. (2) Parental consent for initial evaluation must not be construed as consent for initial provision of special education and related services.
3. (3) The public agency must make reasonable efforts to obtain the informed consent from the parent for an initial evaluation to determine whether the child is a child with a disability.

(b) For initial evaluations only, if the child is a ward of the state and is not residing with the child's parent, the public agency is not required to obtain informed consent from the parent for an initial evaluation to determine whether the child is a child with a disability if:

1. (1) Despite reasonable efforts to do so, the public agency cannot discover the whereabouts of the parent of the child;
2. (2) The rights of the parents of the child have been terminated in accordance with state law; or
3. (3) The rights of the parent to make educational decisions have been subrogated by a judge in accordance with state law and consent for an initial evaluation has been given by an individual appointed by the judge to represent the child.

(c)

1. (1) If the parent of a child enrolled in public school or seeking to be enrolled in public school does not provide consent for initial evaluation under subsection (a) of this section, or the parent fails to respond to a request to provide consent, the public agency may, but is not required to, pursue the initial evaluation of the child by utilizing the procedural safeguards in 34 C.F.R. § 300.501 et seq. (including the mediation procedures under 34 C.F.R. § 300.506 or the due process procedures under 34 C.F.R. §§ 300.507 – 300.516), if appropriate, except to the extent inconsistent with state law relating to such parental consent.
2. (2) The public agency does not violate its obligation under 34 C.F.R. §§ 300.111 and 300.301 – 300.311 if it declines to pursue the evaluation.

(d) Public agency personnel must also:

1. (1) Provide the parent with a copy of Information for Parents Regarding Consent; and
2. (2) Ensure that the parent understands the information it contains.