Chronic Absences

[BSNmommyof2]

Let me start by saying this is my first year as a school nurse, previous to this I lived in the clear cut policy world of the ER. I am the only RN for 556 students grade 6-12.

Please help me figure out what my role is in chronic absences..

I have a sophomore who has now missed 47 days of this school year. End of February family provided letter from GI specialist stating need for late arrivals or missing school altogether if symptoms were severe. It did end in asking for collaboration if absences were habitual. Guidance would like me to continue pursuing this issue to see if he qualifies for home tutoring. Am I living in my ER mind where this should be Admin or guidance or even SPED(he's and IEP student) to continue conversation with providers to qualify him for home school needs? Of note, I did phone the specialist office who refuse to talk with me until a signed consent from the family is obtained. I previously have been wildly unsuccessful in getting this family to call me back. Gah, just feeling overwhelmed with all the things I need to get done and this just adds to the list.

Thank you!

[OldDude]

Here is my take on this. The GI doctor needs to say if this child can attend school or is not able to attend school. If the child can attend school, accommodations can be made through a 504 committee (maybe future special ed for OHI - other health impairment) in regard to missing school time for a medical condition; i.e., medical action plan for school to deal with the child's condition. It is the MD who will state the child can't attend school. The school can't "initiate" a child to be homebound but provides education for the homebound child. But for the MD to leave it up to parent discretion as to when the child will show up for school or when to come to school at all is not an acceptable situation. Our school counselor is the one who would initiate and coordinate the collaboration of this process. Good luck, keep us updated.

[BSNmommyof2]

Thank you! I had a feeling this needed more clarity. It's a big new world and not knowing what my "job is" I struggle with some of these situations and how much I get involved with the final solution.. I will let you know how this goes.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Here is my take on this. The GI doctor needs to say if this child can attend school or is not able to attend school. If the child can attend school, accommodations can be made through a 504 committee (maybe future special ed for OHI - other health impairment) in regard to missing school time for a medical condition; i.e., medical action plan for school to deal with the child's condition. It is the MD who will state the child can't attend school. The school can't "initiate" a child to be homebound but provides education for the homebound child. But for the MD to leave it up to parent discretion as to when the child will show up for school or when to come to school at all is not an acceptable situation. Our school counselor is the one who would initiate and coordinate the collaboration of this process. Good luck, keep us updated.

OldDude is on the money, here. My SPED Director and principal handle the process/paperwork, I sometimes help with coordination of the medical paperwork and wording for the 504. But home tutoring in my direct needs a lot of specific paperwork, including a very specific form filled out by the doctor in case of extended absences. To qualify for home tutoring in a lot of public districts, the absences have to be a certain length.

I see we are both from MA - are you at a public school, OP? I know you are a new poster and may not be able to PM, but I'm very familiar procedure for Boston and Greater Boston districts. Charters can differ.