Student Health Services

The Board of Education may require students of the District to submit to periodic health examinations. 

The District may provide or request parents to provide:

1. general physical examinations for athletics;
    
2. dental examinations;
    
3. tests for communicable disease;
    
4. vision and/or audiometric screening.

The Board shall directly notify the parents of students, at least annually at the beginning of the school year, of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when any nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening is scheduled or expected to be scheduled for students if the examination or screening is: (1) required as a condition of attendance; (2) administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance; and (3) not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a specific student, or other students.

The term "invasive physical examination" means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening.

Unless the physical examination or screening is permitted or required by an applicable State law, parents may refuse to allow the Board to administer a nonemergency, invasive physical examination or screening upon written notification to the Board within five (5) days after receipt of the Board's annual public notice.

Any student who has been removed from a physical education class, or athletic practice or competition, by a teacher, coach, or referee because s/he has exhibited signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with having sustained a concussion or head injury shall not be permitted to return to any physical education class, or athletic practice or competition, for which the teacher, coach, or referee is responsible until both of the following occur:

1. The student's condition is assessed by a physician or other healthcare provider authorized by the Board, in accordance with requirements set forth in R.C. 3313.539(E)(2), to assess such a student.
    
2. The student receives written clearance that it is safe to return to physical education class, or athletic practice or competition, from a physician or other healthcare provider authorized by the Board, in accordance with requirements set forth in R.C. 3313.539(E)(2) to grant such a clearance.

Adopted January 11, 2024

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases and in recognition that prevention is a means of combating the spread of disease, the Board of Education requires all students to be immunized against poliomyelitis, measles, diphtheria, rubella (German measles), pertussis, tetanus, mumps, and others legally designated in accordance with State statutes, unless specifically exempt for medical or other reasons. The Board requires that students who start kindergarten during or after the school year beginning in 1999 be immunized against Hepatitis B or be in the process of being immunized. The Board also requires that students who start kindergarten during or after the school year beginning in 2006 be immunized against chicken pox. The Board further requires that students enrolled in grades 7 through 12 during or after the school year beginning in 2016 be immunized against meningococcal disease in accordance with the administration procedures prescribed by the Ohio Department of Health (see AG 5320). This policy pertains to both students who currently attend school in the District and those eligible to attend.

The Superintendent may exempt a student from being immunized against either or both measles and mumps if the student presents a signed statement from a parent or physician indicating s/he has had measles or mumps and does not need to be immunized. The student will be allowed to attend school only if a physician's statement indicates there is no danger of contagion. In case of an outbreak of the disease for which the student has not been immunized or an epidemic, the Superintendent shall not allow the student to attend school.

In the case of a chicken pox epidemic in the school's population, the Superintendent may deny admission to a student otherwise exempted from the chicken pox immunization requirement. The Superintendent shall prescribe methods whereby the academic standing of a student who is denied admission during a chicken pox epidemic is preserved.

The Superintendent may also exempt a student from immunization if a physician certifies in writing that immunization from a particular disease is medically contra-indicated.

A student may also be exempted from immunization if a parent or guardian objects for good cause, including religious conviction.

A student who has not completed immunization may not be admitted to school, except as is consistent with the law or may be admitted to school provided the necessary immunizations are being received in the fastest time consistent with the approved immunization schedule and good medical practice.

The Board believes that immunization is the primary responsibility of the parent(s). For those students who do not have ready access to private or public health services, immunizations shall be provided at public expense.

Any immunization program conducted by this District requires prior approval of the Board and can only extend to those immunizations provided for by statute and the guidelines of this Board.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education shall not be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of student illness. With the exception of diabetes care covered under Policy 5336, the administration of prescribed medication and/or medically-prescribed treatments to a student during school hours will be permitted only when failure to do so would jeopardize the health of the student, the student would not be able to attend school if the medication or treatment were not made available during school hours, or if the child is disabled and requires medication to benefit from his/her educational program.

For purposes of this policy, "medication" shall include all medicines including those prescribed by a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs and any nonprescribed (over-the-counter) drugs, preparations, and/or remedies. "Treatment" refers both to the manner in which a medication is administered and to health-care procedures which require special training, such as catheterization.

Before any prescribed medication (i.e., a drug) or treatment may be administered to any student during school hours, the Board shall require a written statement from a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs ("prescriber") accompanied by the written authorization of the parent (see Form 5330 F1). Before any nonprescribed medication or treatment may be administered, the Board shall require the prior written consent of the parent along with a waiver of any liability of the District for the administration of the medication (see Form 5330 F1a and Form 5330 F1b). These documents shall be kept in the office of the Health Professional, and made available to the persons designated by this policy as authorized to administer medication or treatment. A copy of the parent's written request and authorization and the prescriber's written statement must be given, by the next school day following the District's receipt of the documents, to the person authorized to administer drugs to the student for whom the authorization and statement have been received. No student is allowed to provide or sell any type of over-the-counter medication to another student. Violations of this rule will be considered violations of Policy 5530 - Drug Prevention and of the Student Code of Conduct/Discipline Code.

Only medication in its original container; labeled with the date, if a prescription; the student's name; and exact dosage will be administered. The Superintendent shall determine a location in each building where the medications to be administered under this policy shall be stored, which shall be a locked storage place, unless the medications require refrigeration in which case they shall be stored in a refrigerator in a place not commonly used by students, and unless the medication to be administered is diabetes medication, which must be kept in an easily accessible location pursuant to Policy 5336.

Parents may administer medication or treatment, with the exception of diabetes care covered under Policy 5336 but only in the presence of a designated school employee. 

However, students shall be permitted to carry and use, as necessary, an asthma inhaler, provided the student has prior written permission from his/her parent and physician and has submitted Form 5330 F3, Authorization for the Possession and Use of Asthma Inhalers/Other Emergency Medication(s), to the principal and any school nurse assigned to the building.

Additionally, students shall be permitted to carry and use, as necessary, an epinephrine autoinjector to treat anaphylaxis, provided the student has prior written approval from the prescriber of the medication and his/her parent/guardian, if the student is a minor, and has submitted written approval (Form 5330 F4, Authorization for the Possession and Use of Epinephrine Autoinjector (epi-pen)) to the principal and any school nurse assigned to the building. The parent/guardian or the student shall provide a back-up dose of the medication to the principal or school nurse. This permission shall extend to any activity, event, or program sponsored by the school or in which the school participates. In the event epinephrine is administered by the student or a school employee at school or at any of the covered events, a school employee shall immediately request assistance from an emergency medical service provider (911). Students with diabetes authorized to attend to their diabetes care and management may do so in accordance with Policy 5336.

Students shall be permitted to possess and self-administer over-the counter topical sunscreen products while on school property or at a school-sponsored event provided the student has submitted prior written approval of his/her parent/guardian to the Principal. (See Form 5330 F1a or Form 5330 F1b.)

With the exception of diabetes care covered under Policy 5336, only employees of the Board who are licensed health professionals or who have completed a drug administration training program conducted by a licensed health professional and are designated by the Board may administer prescription drugs to students in school.

With the exception of diabetes care covered under Policy 5336, provided they have completed the requisite training, the following staff are authorized to administer medication and treatment to students:

1. principal
    
2. teacher
    
3. school nurse
    
4. building secretary
    
5. aide
    
6. others as designated by student's IEP and/or 504 plan
    

No employee will be required to administer a drug to a student if the employee objects, on the basis of religious convictions, to administering the drug.

With the exception of diabetes care covered under Policy 5336, the Board shall permit the administration by a licensed nurse or other authorized staff member of any medication requiring intravenous or intramuscular injection or the insertion of a device into the body when both the medication and the procedure are prescribed by a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs and the nurse/staff member has completed any and all necessary training.

Students who may require administration of an emergency medication may have such medication in their possession upon written authorization of their parent(s) or, such medication, upon being identified as aforenoted, may be stored in the health professionals office and administered in accord with this policy and Policy 5336.

All dental disease prevention programs, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health and administered by school employees, parents, volunteers, employees of local health districts, or employees of the Ohio Department of Health, which utilize prescription drugs for the prevention of dental disease and which are conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Ohio Department of Health are exempt from all requirements of this policy.

The Superintendent shall prepare administrative guidelines, as needed, to address the proper implementation of this policy.

Adopted January 11, 2024

In accordance with state law, the Board of Education shall procure epinephrine auto-injectors ("Epi-Pens") for use in emergency situations. Epinephrine is a prescription drug used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites or stings, foods, medications, latex, and other causes. The Superintendent shall adopt a policy and procedures, alternatively termed "Administrative Guidelines," governing the maintenance and use of Epi-Pens. The Superintendent shall consult with a licensed health professional who is authorized to prescribe drugs ("Prescriber") when developing policy/administrative guidelines.

The Superintendent's policy/administrative guidelines shall:

1. identify the location(s) in each school building where the Epi-Pens shall be stored;
    
2. specify the conditions under which Epi-Pens must be stored, replaced, and disposed of;
    
3. specify the individuals employed by or under contract with the Board, in addition to a licensed school nurse and licensed athletic trainer, who may access and use Epi-Pens in emergency situations;
    
4. specify the training that Board employees or contractors (besides school nurses or athletic trainers) must complete before being authorized to access and use Epi-Pens;
    
5. identify the emergency situations, including when an individual exhibits signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, in which a school nurse, athletic trainer, or other trained employee/contractor may access and use an Epi-Pen; 
    
6. specify that assistance from an emergency medical service provider (911) must be requested immediately after an Epi-Pen is used; and
    
7. specify individuals, in addition to students, employees, contractors, and visitors, to whom a dosage of epinephrine may be administered through an Epi-Pen in an emergency situation.

Each Building Principal shall endeavor to maintain at least two (2) Epi-Pens of both prescribed doses in their building. In procuring Epi-Pens, the Board will accept donations of Epi-Pens from wholesale distributors of dangerous drugs or manufacturers of dangerous drugs, as well as donations of money from any person to purchase Epi-Pens. The Superintendent shall report to the Ohio Department of Education ("ODE"), in the form and manner determined by ODE, each procurement of Epi-Pens and each occurrence in which an Epi-Pen is used from District's supply.

In order to facilitate the use of an Epi-Pen in an emergency situation pursuant to this Policy and AG 5330.02, the Board will procure Epi-Pens by either (1) having a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs, acting in accordance with State laws, personally furnish the Epi-Pens to the District or issue a prescription for them in the name of the District, or (2) having the Superintendent obtain a prescriber-issued protocol that includes definitive order for Epi-Pens and the dosages of epinephrine to be administered through them.  If the Superintendent obtains a prescriber-issued protocol, s/he will retain the original protocol and provide a copy of it to each Building Principal of each school at which Epi-Pens are maintained in accordance with this Policy and AG 5330.02.

In accordance with Ohio law, the Board, its members, employees and contractors, and a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs who personally furnishes or prescribes Epi-Pen, consults with the Superintendent, or issues a protocol, shall not be liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using Epi-Pens in emergency situations as provided for by this policy and AG 5330.03, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

Adopted January 11, 2024

In accordance with State law, the Board of Education shall procure Asthma Inhalers for use in emergency situations. An Asthma Inhaler is a device that delivers medication to alleviate asthmatic symptoms, is manufactured in the form of a metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler, and may include a spacer, holding chamber, or other device that attaches to the inhaler and is used to improve the delivery of the medication. The Superintendent shall adopt a policy and procedures, alternatively termed "Administrative Guidelines," governing the maintenance and use of Asthma Inhalers. The Superintendent shall consult with a licensed health professional who is authorized to prescribe drugs ("Prescriber") when developing policy/administrative guidelines.

The Superintendent's policy/administrative guidelines shall:

1. include a prescriber-issued protocol specifying definitive orders for Asthma Inhalers, including the dosages of medication to be administered through the Asthma Inhalers, the number of times that each Inhaler may be used before disposal, and the methods of disposal;
    
2. identify the location(s) in each school building where the Asthma Inhalers shall be stored;
    
3. specify the conditions under which Asthma Inhalers must be stored, replaced, and disposed of;
    
4. specify the individuals employed by or under contract with the Board, in addition to a licensed school nurse and licensed athletic trainer, who may access and use Asthma Inhalers to provide a dosage of medication to individuals in an emergency situation;
    
5. specify the training that Board employees or contractors (besides school nurses or athletic trainers) must complete before being authorized to access and use Asthma Inhalers; 
    
6. identify the emergency situations, including when an individual exhibits signs and symptoms of asthma, in which a school nurse, athletic trainer, or other trained employee/contractor may access and use an Asthma Inhaler;
    
7. specify that assistance from an emergency medical service provider (911) must be requested immediately after an employee/contractor (besides a school nurse, athletic trainer or another licensed health professional) uses an Asthma Inhaler; and
    
8. specify individuals, in addition to students, employees, contractors, and visitors, to whom a dosage of medication may be administered through an Asthma Inhaler in an emergency situation.

Each Building Principal shall endeavor to maintain at least two (2) Asthma Inhalers in their building. In procuring Asthma Inhalers, the Board will accept donations of Asthma Inhalers from wholesale distributors of dangerous drugs or manufacturers of dangerous drugs, as well as donations of money from any person to purchase Asthma Inhalers. The Superintendent shall report to the Ohio Department of Education ("ODE"), in the form and manner determined by ODE, each procurement of Asthma Inhalers and each occurrence in which an Inhaler is used from District's supply.

In order to allow the use of an Asthma Inhaler in an emergency situation pursuant to this Policy and AG 5330.03, the Superintendent shall obtain a standing order or protocol from an authorized prescriber, in order to administer dosages of medication through the Asthma Inhalers from the District's supply, including the number of times each Inhaler may be used before disposal, and the methods of disposal. The Superintendent shall retain the original standing order/protocol and provide a copy of it to each Building Principal of each school at which Asthma Inhalers are maintained in accordance with this Policy and AG 5330.03.

In accordance with Ohio law, the Board, and its members, employees and contractors shall not be liable in a civil action for damages resulting from injuries arising from acts or omissions associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using Asthma Inhalers in emergency situations as prescribed by this policy and AG 5330.03, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

Adopted January 11, 2024

Students with chronic health conditions will be provided with a free appropriate public education. If their impairment does not require specially designed instruction for them to benefit educationally, they will be eligible for accommodations/modifications/interventions of the regular classroom, curriculum, or activity (i.e. the school setting) so that they have the same access to an education as students without disabilities. Such accommodations/modifications/interventions will be provided pursuant to a Section 504 Plan (Form 2260.01 F13).

Chronic health conditions, for the purposes of this policy, shall include:

1. food allergies including, but not limited to, peanut allergies;
    
2. non-food-based allergies;
    
3. asthma;
    
4. diabetes.

All information regarding student identification, health care management, and emergency care shall be safeguarded as personally identifiable information in accordance with Policy 8330 and Policy 8350.

The District will coordinate school health practices for management of a chronic health condition and shall provide for:

1. identification of individuals with chronic health conditions;
    
2. development of individual health care action plans;
    
3. coordination of health care management activities by school staff;
    
4. communication among school staff who interact with children with chronic health conditions;
    
5. development of protocols to prevent exposure/episodic reactions;
    
6. awareness and training of school staff regarding Board policy on acute and routine management of chronic health conditions, information on signs and treatment of chronic health conditions, medication and administration, and emergency protocols for dealing with reactions in "unusual" situations such as field trips.

School health practices shall provide students with chronic health conditions the opportunity for:

1. full participation in physical activities when students are well;
    
2. modified activities as indicated by the student's health care action plan, 504 plan, or Individualized Education Program (IEP);
    
3. access to preventative medications before activity (as prescribed by their medical providers) and immediate access to emergency medications during activity;
    
4. communication regarding student health status between parents, physicians, teachers (particularly physical education teachers), and coaches.

Healthcare management activities shall include:

1. procedures to obtain, maintain, and utilize written health care action plans, signed by the child's parents and physician, for each student with a chronic health condition;
    
2. a standard emergency protocol in place for students experiencing a distress reaction if they do not have a written health care action plan on site;
    
3. established communication strategies for students to use to tell an adult they may be having a health-related problem;
    
4. procedures for students to have immediate access to medications in accordance with Policy 5330 and AG 5330 that allow students to self-care and self-administer medications, inhalers, and Epi-pens, as prescribed by a medical professional and approved by parents/guardians;
    
5. prevention strategies to avoid causal elements;
    
6. case management for students with frequent school absences, school health office visits, emergency department visits, or hospitalizations due to chronic health conditions;
    
7. management and care of the student's chronic health condition in the classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, or at any school-related activity or event.

Staff will be trained about chronic health conditions and their control in each school in which there is a student with a chronic health condition.

Adopted January 11, 2024

The Board of Education is committed to ensuring that each student enrolled in the District who has diabetes receives appropriate and needed diabetes care in accordance with an order signed by the student's treating physician.

The diabetes care to be provided includes any of the following:

1. checking and recording blood glucose levels and ketone levels or assisting the student with checking and recording these levels;
    
2. responding to blood glucose levels that are outside of the student's target range;
    
3. in the case of severe hypoglycemia, administering glucagon and other emergency treatments as prescribed; and in accordance with AG 5330.04;
    
4. administering insulin or assisting the student in self-administering insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses;
    
5. providing oral diabetes medications;
    
6. understanding recommended schedules and food intake for meals and snacks in order to calculate medication dosages pursuant to the student's physician's order;
    
7. following the physician's instructions regarding meals, snacks, and physical activity; and
    
8. administering diabetes medication, as long as the conditions described below are satisfied. 

Within fourteen (14) days after the District receives an order signed by the student's treating physician, the Board will inform the student's parent or guardian that the student may be entitled to a Section 504 Plan regarding the student's diabetes.

With regard to the administration of diabetes medication:

1. The diabetes medication may be administered by a school nurse, or in the absence of a school nurse, such medication can be administered by a school employee who has received training provided by the Board that complies with the Ohio Department of Education's training guidelines and complies with the following additional requirements:
    
   1. The training must be coordinated by a school nurse, or if the school does not employ a school nurse, a medical or osteopathic doctor, a registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse with expertise in diabetes.
       
   2. The training will take place prior to the beginning of each school year or, as needed, not later than fourteen (14) days after the Board receives a physician's order related to a student with diabetes.
       
   3. Upon completion of the training, the Board will determine whether each trained employee is competent to provide diabetes care.
       
   4. The school nurse, medical or osteopathic doctor, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse who provided the training will promptly provide all necessary follow-up training and supervision to an employee who receives training.
       
2. The principal of a school attended by a student with diabetes will distribute a written notice (see Form 5336 F1) to each employee containing the following information:
    
   1. A statement that the school is required to provide diabetes care to a student with diabetes and is seeking employees who are willing to be trained to provide that care.
       
   2. A description of the tasks to be performed.
       
   3. A statement that participation is voluntary and that the school district will not take action against an employee who does not agree to provide diabetes care, including that the employee will not be penalized or disciplined for refusing to volunteer to be trained in diabetes care.
       
   4. A statement that training will be provided by a school nurse, a medical or osteopathic doctor, a registered nurse, or a licensed practical nurse with expertise in diabetes to an employee who agrees to provide care.
       
   5. A statement that a trained employee will not be subject to disciplinary action by the Board for providing care or performing duties to students with diabetes.
       
   6. A statement that a trained employee is immune from liability for damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing care or performing duties (unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct).
       
   7. The name of the individual to contact if an employee is interested in providing diabetes care.

The school nurse and/or the school employee can only administer diabetes medication as described above if the requirements of Policy 5330 are met.

A student's diabetes medication will be kept in an easily accessible location.

A student with diabetes will be permitted to attend to his or her diabetes care and management, in accordance with the student's physician's order, during regular school hours and school sponsored activities only if:

1. the student's parent or guardian provides a written request that the student be permitted to attend to his or her diabetes care and management while at school (see Form 5330 F1); and
    
2. the student's physician has authorized such self-care and determined that the student is capable of performing diabetes care tasks (see Form 5330 F1). 

A student with diabetes is permitted to perform diabetes care tasks in a classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, and at any school-related activity. The student must have access to a private area for performing diabetes care tasks if the student or the student's parent or guardian makes such a request.

A student with diabetes is permitted to possess on the student's self at all times all necessary supplies and equipment to perform diabetes care tasks. If the student performs any diabetes care tasks or uses medical equipment for purposes other than the student's own care, the Board will revoke the student's permission to attend to the care and management of the student's diabetes.

By December 31 of each year, the Board will report to the Ohio Department of Education the following information regarding students with diabetes:

1. the number of students with diabetes enrolled in the District during the previous school year, and
    
2. the number of errors associated with the administration of diabetes medication to students with diabetes during the previous school year.

Adopted January 11, 2024