HEALTH SERVICES
Good health care is essential to student success. If a student becomes ill in school, he/she should report to the nurse. Students will not leave the building because of illness without authorization. When the nurse is not in, students will report to the office. A pass will be obtained from a teacher before going to the nurse. The school health services are designed to include a variety of functions that will assist in maintaining good health.
1. Health, dental, and immunization records are maintained on every student by the school nurse.
2. Vision screenings are performed on all students.
3. Height and weight measurement and Body Mass Index (BMI) are calculated on all students.
4. Hearing screenings are performed in grades K – 3, 7, and 11.
5. Scoliosis screenings are performed in grades 6 and 7.
6. Students are required to have a physical examination by either their family doctor or school doctor upon original entry to school (Kindergarten or first grade), grade 6, and grade 11.
7. Students are required to have a dental examination by either their family dentist or school dentist upon original entry to school (Kindergarten or first grade), grade 3, and grade 7.
When the screening results are not within normal, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health State Standards parents will be notified for follow-up care. The follow-up notice will be returned to the school nurse when it is completed by the doctor or dentist. Any medical problem concerning the student should be addressed to the school nurse. Medication to be taken by the student in school must be kept in the Health Suite with prescription attached. The medication is taken in the presence of the nurse.
Elevator Keys/Crutches/Temporary wheelchair use
The school will not supply crutches and/or wheelchairs. For the safety of students in need of crutches and/or a wheelchair for temporary use, a doctor’s note stating the length of time the student will be utilizing such device is to be given to the school nurse.
For the use of the elevator and/or lift, a doctor’s order will also be required. The key is to be returned to the nurse at the end of each school day. Elementary students will be accompanied by an adult for use of the elevator. If the elevator/lift key is lost, the student will assume the obligation to replace the cost of the lost key.
Emergency Cards
In order to remain current with the student’s health, emergency cards must be filled out or completed electronically for each student, kept current, and submitted at the beginning of the school year for use in emergency situations. An emergency telephone number other than the place of residence is requested in case the student becomes ill or injured at school when the parent cannot be contacted. E-mail addresses are also helpful. Parents should be prepared, if necessary, to transport the student from school.
Illness or Injury During School Hours
Students are not to be sent to school ill and/or injured for diagnosis by the school nurse. If the student is injured or becomes ill during school, first aid will be administered. School personnel will not give care beyond first aid in the case of an accident or sudden illness. Final provisions for the care of children who are ill or injured are the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Parents/guardians are expected to report to the school to pick up their child when, in the opinion of the school nurse, the student is physically unable to continue with class. In case of emergency, the procedures as listed on the child’s emergency procedure card will be followed and emergency medical services and/or a physician will be contacted.
Daily Procedures to Nurse’s Office
1. A pass will be obtained from a teacher before going to the nurse.
2. A pass signed by the nurse must be presented to the teacher upon the student’s return to class. No student is allowed to leave the health suite without the nurse’s permission.
3. When there is a need for a student to be sent home due to illness or injury, the nurse will make the necessary arrangements with the parent/guardian. Parents/Guardians are responsible for the transportation of ill or injured students.
4. Students who are ill or injured are not permitted to make his/her own arrangements to leave school or they may be referred to building administrators.
5. Students should not be sent to school ill or injured to be diagnosed by the school nurse.
6. Students with infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) and impetigo are excluded from school according to school policy.
7. Students with illnesses, allergies, operations, accidents, pregnancy, hospitalizations or other health conditions occurring during the school year should report to the school nurse, so that an accurate health record can be maintained for your child.
The school cannot assume responsibility for injuries that did not occur at school. Parents/Guardians should not ask school personnel to treat such injuries.
Medication Use During School Hours/Field Trips/School Activities
School board policy No. 210 Use of Medication, sets guidelines for the administration of both prescriptive and over-the-counter medications that are necessary for both safety and control reasons in a school setting.
· All medications, prescriptive and over-the-counter, will only be given if an “Authorization for School Medication Administration Form” is completed in full. The form can be obtained from the school nurse, the district website, or a form provided from the physician’s office, and must include the following:
1. Date of prescription
2. Name of student to receive medication
3. Name of medication
4. Directions for giving medication (dosage, timing, number of days)
5. Diagnosis (reason for taking medication)
6. Signature of physician
7. Signature of parent granting permission for the medication to be given in school
· All medication must be brought to school by the parent in its original sealed container with the prescription label attached to the container.
· Medications should be sent to school only when absolutely necessary.
· Medications that are ordered three or less times a day do not need to be administered at school unless otherwise ordered by the physician.
· Any medication that a student is required to take during the school day must be turned into the school nurse immediately upon student’s arrival to school.
· Students should not have medication in their possession at any time (other than those deemed able to self-administer and carry their epinephrine auto-injectors and/or inhalers).
· The school nurse may only administer school standing ordered medications listed on the emergency procedure card with signed permission from the parent/guardian.
Possession/Use of Asthma Inhalers and Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
As per Board Policy 210.1: The Board shall permit students to possess asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, and to self-administer these prescribed medications used to treat asthma and life threatening allergies when authorized by the student’s healthcare provider and parent/guardian.
Before a student may possess or use an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector during school hours, which include extracurricular activities, the Board shall require the following. The student’s healthcare provider and parent/guardian will complete the “Authorization of School Medication Administration Form” that includes the following:
1. A written request from the parent/guardian that the school complies with the order of the physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
2. A statement from the parent/guardian acknowledging that the school is not responsible for ensuring the medication is taken and relieving the district and its employees of responsibility of the benefits or consequences of the prescribed medication.
3. A written statement from the physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that states:
a. Name of the drug.
b. Prescribed dosage.
c. Times medication is to be taken.
d. Length of time medication is prescribed.
e. Diagnosis or reason medication is needed, unless confidential.
f. Potential serious reaction or side effects of medication.
g. Emergency response.
h. If child is qualified and able to self-administer the medication.
4. The student shall be made aware that the asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector is intended for his/her use only and may not be shared with other students.
5. The student shall notify the school nurse immediately following each use of an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector.
Student Accident Insurance
Information on school insurance will be available to all students. Students who participate in inter-scholastic athletics and/or band must take school insurance or have a written waiver on file prior to the beginning of the activity.