School Health Services

Florida State Law Section 381.0056, "School Health Services Act," mandates the provision of the following services for Florida students:

The Alachua County school district currently has forty-two (42) public schools.  A licensed nurse serves each school during school hours.  In the event of a school nurse's absence, trained non-licensed staff may substitute.

The success of the school health program
depends on your cooperation and interest.

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to:

1. Keep the school informed as to how to reach you in the event of an emergency.  Keep your child's Emergency Card up to date with new PHONE NUMBERS and addresses, any current MEDICAL CONDITIONS, and required procedures or medications.

2. Provide the school with a complete and current Florida Certificate of Immunization for your student.  Only the Florida State forms, which show the dates for all vaccines, will be accepted.

3. Provide the school with documentation of a school entrance physical exam, which must be dated within one year prior to enrollment.  The HRS Form 3040 is acceptable, as well as any reasonably documented physical form. (This CANNOT be a "note" stating that the physician saw the child, NOR a copy of the bill for the physical).  Pre-Kindergarten and Head Start physicals are acceptable.

4. Realize that school clinics are emergency first aid stations and are not meant for children to spend long periods of time there.  We ask you NOT to send your child to school if he/she has a fever, virus, or any other contagious diseases, i.e., chicken pox, lice, conjunctivitis, rash, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, etc.  If this occurs, a nurse will assess your child and contact you.

5. Prescription medication will be administered.  Provide a supply of your child's prescription and medication in its original container. The bottle must have a legible pharmacy label with the student's name, medication name, current dose, frequency, and the name of the prescribing physician.  (Pharmacists will willingly give you an extra bottle with label for school use-just ask!) You must accompany your child to school, bring the medication, and sign a consent form. We will then be able to administer the medication as prescribed. Many controlled substances require counting upon receipt.
   
   For liquid medication, please send measuring spoon or cup marked with your child's name. Students are not allowed to have medication on their person or in their belongings unless a specific request has been made, such as for an asthmatic or anaphylactic condition. Non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines are administered at the discretion of the school nurse, if signed parental forms are provided.

6. Guidelines allow medications to be given up to one hour before or one hour after the time listed on the prescription. This allows for special circumstances that might interfere with the exact timing of the medication (field trips, special programs, etc.). If you object to this policy, please state your objections in writing on the consent form. Every effort will be made to have the medication administered by trained staff when a student is on a field trip.

7. Please be aware that if problems arise (drug reaction, absence of trained personnel to give medications, etc.), you may be called at home or at work to make arrangements to care for your child. In the event of an emergency, 911 personnel will be dispatched to school and parent notified.

8. If you have a specific health concern or medical need to your child at school, call the school nurse. He/she will work out a plan of care with you to enable your child to attend school!