School Health Policies

(1) For purposes of this Chapter: (a) “Adrenal crisis” means a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms associated with adrenal insufficiency, such as: severe pain in the lower back, abdomen, or legs; vomiting; diarrhea; dehydration; low blood pressure; or loss of consciousness. (b) “Adrenal insufficiency” means a hormonal disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough adrenal hormones. (c) “Asthma-reliever inhaler” means a medication delivery device that contains a bronchodilator and is used for the immediate treatment of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. Also known as a rescue inhaler. (d) “Bronchodilator rescue inhaler” means medication used to relieve asthma symptoms or respiratory distress, along with devices and device components needed to appropriately administer the medication, including, but not limited to, disposable spacers. (e) “Clinical protocol” means written medical guidelines, developed in consultation with a prescribing healthcare practitioner, outlining specific procedures for assessing respiratory distress and administering a bronchodilator rescue inhaler. (f) “Healthcare practitioner” means a physician or other healthcare provider licensed pursuant to Title 63 who has prescriptive authority. (g) “Nurse practitioner” means a nurse practitioner licensed under T.C.A. Title 63, Chapter 7. (h) “Physician” means a physician licensed under T.C.A. Title 63, Chapter 6 or 9. (2) Each local board of education shall develop and adopt standards and policies for school health services. The school health services program shall include, at a minimum, the following: (a) A policy providing for a physical examination of every child entering school for the first time and every student participating in interscholastic athletics, performed by a doctor of medicine, osteopathic physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner, or a properly trained public health nurse. SCHOOL AND STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES CHAPTER 0520-01-13 (b) Procedures for verifying proof of immunization for all students, except those who are exempt by statute as provided in T.C.A. § 49-6-5001. (c) A policy for excluding students with communicable diseases and for readmitting them following recovery in accordance with the Department of Health’s Communicable and Environmental Diseases Rule 1200-14-01. (d) A Drug Free Schools Policy that addresses drug and alcohol related medical emergencies, guidelines for reporting drug and alcohol related incidents, and referral of students. 1. Local boards of education may implement a drug testing program; however, before a drug testing program is implemented, the local board of education shall establish policies, procedures, and guidelines on drug testing. Local boards of education may adopt the State Board’s Model Drug Testing Policy 4.201. (e) Procedures for reporting suspected cases of child abuse and neglect as required by T.C.A. § 37-1-403. (3) Each LEA shall adopt a coordinated school health policy in accordance with the State Board’s Coordinated School Health Program Policy 4.204.