Non-Public Schools Menstrual Products Exemption Form
- The New York State Education Department would like to inform schools of an amendment to Public Health Law §267 that went into effect July 1, 2024.
- It requires all elementary and secondary public and non-public schools serving students in any grade from six through twelve to provide menstrual products at no cost to students in school restrooms. This revised law replaces the term feminine hygiene products with menstrual products. Feminine hygiene products and menstrual products mean the same personal care products, including but not limited to menstrual pads and tampons.
- Schools should determine the types of products to have available to students in consultation with a school nurse, director of school health services (a.k.a. medical director), or other health care professional.
- Products are required to be available in a manner to ensure the privacy of any student seeking them, including but not limited to within gender-neutral restrooms.
- Additionally, the law permits only a non-public school may be granted an exemption if the school does not serve students who need such products and that menstrual products are available in a manner that ensures the privacy of any student seeking them within the school building or buildings, including but not limited to within any gender-neutral restroom.
- A non-public school interested in the exemption option will need to complete and e-mail the exemption form to ORISS@NYSED.GOV. Non-public schools will be notified after the form is reviewed and approved.