1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (c), a superintendent or school leader may exclude or excuse a student found mentally or physically unfit for school attendance. An exclusion or excuse under this section is valid only for the school year during which it is issued and shall not violate a student's right to a free and appropriate public education under federal law.

2. (b) A student may not be compelled to undergo any examination or treatment under this chapter when the student's parent objects on religious grounds, which consists of a good faith reliance on spiritual means or prayer for healing. The objection is not effective unless it is:

   1. (1) made in writing;
   2. (2) signed by the student's parent; and
   3. (3) delivered to the student's teacher or to the individual who might order an examination or treatment absent the objection.

3. (c) If a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist certifies that a student is fit for school attendance, the superintendent or school leader may not exclude or excuse that student. However, nothing in this section shall prohibit a school from disciplining a student pursuant to any legal authority, including but not limited to IC 20-33-8 .

   [Pre-2005 Elementary and Secondary Education Recodification Citation: 20-8.1-3-19.]

As added by P.L.1-2005, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.41-2014, SEC.3.