School Health Services

The school nurse is responsible for maintaining health records for each student. Information concerning the following must be given to the nurse:

 

 

All school-aged children must have immunization records on file in the health office.  All students who have less than the minimum requirement must have either a medical or religious exemption, or a physician-approved schedule for reaching those requirements.

 

Students who have not been fully immunized will not be in compliance with the law. Failure to comply with this provision may result in exclusion from school for the child. A child may be “conditionally” enrolled when the parent/guardian provides documentation of at least one dose for each required vaccine AND the appointment date for the next dose of required vaccine.  The appointment date shall serve as the suspension date. If the parent/guardian fails to keep the scheduled appointment, and suspension shall continue until acceptable immunization status is attained.

 

 

All medications are to be administered or assisted with under the supervision of the school nurse, designated UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Personnel), or principal as prescribed. Over the counter medications will be administered as recommended by the manufacturer unless the student’s physician, APRN, PA, or dentist has provided different
instructions. (JLCD).

 

Parent/guardian authorization is required for all medication administered to a student during the school day. In addition to parent/guardian authorization, for any prescription medication from a licensed physician, APRN, PA or dentist, there must be written documentation from the prescriber which specifies the student, medication, dose, route, time, frequency, and purpose. The school day includes any day, afternoon, or evening hours when the student is attending a school or other school sponsored activity. Medications must be renewed each school with the appropriate documentation. 

A parent/guardian or designated responsible adult shall deliver all medications to the school nurse. The medication must be in the original pharmacy container. The label shall include the student’s name, dose of medication, route, and time of administration, and any specific instructions regarding administration. Over the counter medications are to be in their original manufacturer’s container.

 

Students may carry and self-administer epinephrine auto injectors and asthma inhalers with authorization in writing of both the parent/guardian and the prescriber (RSA 200:42-200:47). Any student who has to use an epinephrine auto injector shall obtain help from the nearest supervising adult. A call to 911 will activate emergency services for further care of the student. The nurse may delegate authority to students with diabetes to self-carry and self-administer glucose tabs and insulin with parent/guardian and prescriber authorization. Glucagon for injection will be provided for the health office in order to ensure a rapid response for a diabetic emergency. Student 504 plans are to state any accommodations needed to ensure the safety of the student and that medical needs are met. Students shall not possess any medication, with the exceptions of epinephrine, inhalers, or diabetes medications. Students shall not share any medication.

 

 

Height, weight, vision, hearing, and spinal (scoliosis) screenings may be done for certain grades by the Nurse, according to the recommendations of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), to determine if a child needs to be referred to a specialist for a thorough evaluation. If a parent/guardian prefers that their child NOT be screened at school, please notify the Nurse in writing, if a parent has any concerns about the growth and development of a child, the Nurse will gladly screen your child sooner, upon your request.