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NurseWelcome to the Health Room at RES Mrs. Morrison
The following information is provided for FAQ's.
Medication during the school day In general, the administration of medication to students while they are in school is to be discouraged. Treatment schedules which allow doses of medication to be given at times other than during school hours are preferred and encouraged. However, when in the opinion of the prescribing physician it is necessary for the student to be given medication during school hours, such medication must be administered in accordance with the following guidelines. · The parent must obtain a written order from the attending physician, using the Parent/Guardian and Physician/ Prescriber Authorization – Medication Orders (PS 109) form (Appendix 3 pages 60 & 61 in handbook). Each school has copies of this form and they are periodically mailed to local physicians and dentists · The parent must sign the parent consent on the back of the PS 109 form. · The parent should bring the completed PS 109 form to school, along with a supply of medication in the original pharmacy container. Medication is not to be transported by students on the bus. · If a signed parental and physician authorization form (PS 109) is not submitted, the school will accept: • a verbal order from a physician. Verbal orders may only be taken by the school nurse (RN or LPN). A written physician's order must follow and written parental consent is still required. · Each medication must be in the original pharmacy container clearly labeled with the child's name, the name of the medicine, directions for its administration, the name of the physician, and the date of the prescription. · The parent(s)/guardian(s) must submit to the school written notification (form PS 109) from the physician of any change in dosage, time of administration of medication, or duration medication is to be given. · The parent must give the first day's dosage of any new prescription unless the order is for "in-school" medication only. · The parent must pick up unused or discontinued medication at school. Medication not collected by the parent will be destroyed. A student who brings and/or takes medication of any type without following the medication regulation is entirely the responsibility of the parent, guardian, and student, and not that of either the school or the health department. Communicable Diseases When school personnel suspect that a student may have a communicable disease, the school will notify the parents and arrangements will be made to transport the student home. Medical advice is then to be sought by the parents to ascertain if the student does have a communicable disease. Should a student be diagnosed as having a communicable disease, exclusion from school may be necessary. Before the student is readmitted, a physician's statement may be required. Information related to specific communicable diseases is available in each school health office or from the St. Mary's County Health Department. Emergency Procedures Emergency medical information for students is to be supplied by parent(s)/ guardian(s) each year. This information is kept on file and is considered confidential. When an accident or illness occurs at school, standard first aid practice is followed. Decisions about calling physicians, notifying family members, or sending the student to the hospital are made immediately. When possible, a school health services provider (i.e., school nurse or supervisor of health services) is involved in this decision making process. If it is deemed necessary, the school staff calls 911. The parent may also request that 911 be called. This is done immediately. When 911 is called as a result of injury or illness, that person becomes the responsibility of the rescue services personnel upon their arrival at the scene. Usual rescue services procedure is to transport the person to the nearest or most appropriate hospital. As part of this process, the staff person:
Hearing and Vision Screening Unless evidence is presented that a student has been tested within the past year, vision and hearing screening required by Maryland law will be completed in the year that a student enters the school system and in grades one and eight. Parents and/or school staff concerned about a student’s hearing or vision may also refer the student for screening by the school nurse. A student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) objects in writing to hearing and vision screening on the basis of the tenets and practice of a recognized church or religious denomination of which the student is an adherent or member may not be required to take these screenings. Immunization In accordance with laws of the state of Maryland, any student entering or attending St. Mary's County Public Schools shall provide evidence of immunization in accordance with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Minimum Vaccine Requirements for Children Enrolled in Preschool Programs and in Schools. Complete immunization requirements may be found in Appendix 4 page 62 & 63 in the county student handbook. Students with less than complete immunization must have an appointment date for needed immunizations no later than 20 calendar days from the date of entrance. This appointment date will serve as the exclusion date if the student fails to keep the appointment. Exemption from immunization is permitted if it is contrary to a student's religious beliefs. Students may also be exempted from immunization requirements if a physician certifies that it would create a medical problem. Questions concerning the immunization requirement should be addressed to the school nurse or principal. Lead Testing In accordance with laws of the state of Maryland, all students entering pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade shall provide evidence of lead testing dates or the parent(s)/guardian(s) must certify that the child does not and has never lived in an at risk area in accordance with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. At-risk areas by the Zip Code are listed on the back of the DHMH 4620 form. This form is Appendix 6 pages 66 & 67 in the student’s county handbook. Evidence of the dates of lead testing or a parent(s)/guardian(s) signature on the DHMH 4620 form certifying that the child does not and has never lived in an at-risk area must be returned to the school within 20 calendar days from the date of entrance to pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or first grade. Physical Examination In order for your child to enter a Maryland public school for the first time, a physical examination by a physician or certified nurse practitioner must be completed either nine months prior to entering the public school system or six months after entering the system. A physical examination form designated by the Maryland State Department of Education and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene must be used to meet this requirement. Exemption from a physical examination is permitted if it is contrary to a student's religious beliefs. School entry physical examination reports are reviewed and a nursing assessment is completed by the school nurse, together with the parent, for all students with diagnosed health problems which may impact on learning. Sun Safety Sun safety practices that are followed consistently and early in life contribute to the prevention of skin cancer. Facilitating sun safety habits in the school setting can assist students and staff in reducing potential risk for ultraviolet-related illnesses. Sun safety practices include the following:
Student Health Information Parents are responsible for informing the school about their child's educationally relevant health history, including, but not limited to, such health concerns as chronic illness, allergy, and physical disability. Health information may be shared with school staff that has a need to know. The Student Health Information form may be completed and returned to the school for this purpose, or the form may be picked up at the school health office. This form is Appendix 2 page 59 in the student’s county handbook. Severe allergies are increasingly being identified in our student population. Some examples of allergens may include: food, insects, and medications. Parents are responsible for informing the school nurse about their child’s allergies as well as providing written medical documentation, instructions, and medications if needed as directed by a physician. Parents should record any allergies or medical information on the student registration form and the Student Health Information form. To ensure a safe environment for students with allergies and reduce the risk of accidental exposure in the school setting, school personnel should work with students, parents, and physicians to develop a plan that accommodates the child’s needs. An action plan or emergency medical plan should be developed to minimize risk and provide a safe educational environment for students with severe allergic reactions. Parents are responsible for providing the school with emergency telephone number(s). Should this information change, parents should notify the school immediately. Interesting Websites KidsHealth - information about school lunches http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/lunch.html
Family Fun - information about healthy lunch and snack choices http://familyfun.go.com/back-to-school/back-to-school-lunches-snacks/
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