MD Orders??

[KeeperOfTheIceRN, ADN]

Hello all! Texas over here ? Our governor has stated that everyone over the age of 10 years must wear a mask in public places. This includes schools. Obviously there are exceptions to his orders (I.e.: those with medical conditions that contraindicate masks).

I'm curious to know, are your districts requiring MD orders to exempt students from wearing a mask d/t a medical condition which a mask is contraindicated? My superintendent and I agree that that is going to be necessary or we're going to face a lot of situations where little johnny suddenly has a new onset of anxiety where they can't wear one.

What are you thoughts?

[caliotter3]

I agree with you. I would require the signed MD order otherwise everyone will be traipsing around without a mask on because their mommy told them they could.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Also remember: ADA only applies to those with a condition covered by the ADA. ADA does not protect anyone who just doesn't like a mask.

There are a few bonafide health reasons that would exempt one from wearing a mask. Most of those kids will be fragile and may need to consider virtual school. I like the idea of the MD note but suspect that there will be a few people in the category above who get an MD note (and whose parents may also want us to apply essential oils - joke! JK!)

In our enclosed classrooms with our SPED students....all bets are off. We're just going to double protect the teachers (with a mask and shield) and unfortunately the parent will need to understand that their child is in a room with other children who cannot keep a mask on themselves.....

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

On 8/5/2020 at 4:49 PM, ruby_jane said:

Also remember: ADA only applies to those with a condition covered by the ADA. ADA does not protect anyone who just doesn't like a mask.

There are a few bonafide health reasons that would exempt one from wearing a mask. Most of those kids will be fragile and may need to consider virtual school. I like the idea of the MD note but suspect that there will be a few people in the category above who get an MD note (and whose parents may also want us to apply essential oils - joke! JK!)

In our enclosed classrooms with our SPED students....all bets are off. We're just going to double protect the teachers (with a mask and shield) and unfortunately the parent will need to understand that their child is in a room with other children who cannot keep a mask on themselves.....

Ruby_jane, I was going to respond with similar thoughts, but you beat me to it and said it better than I did!

My school - when out hybrid launches - we are now likely going to enter a remote first, a few select kids in person, then transition to hybrid model - if you don't fall into an IEP/SPED category with a documented concern and can't wear a mask, we will be having the frank discussion that that child needs to stay remote only.

[SaltineQueen]

Yes. We are requiring a doctor note In order to wear a face shield. Wearing nothing is not an option for in person school.

[CrazySchoolNurse, LPN]

We too are requiring a Doctor's note for students who can't wear a mask.

[turtlesRcool]

Not a school RN, but a parent of two middle school kids and a kindergartner in CT. Our district just unveiled it's reopening plan last night. It specifically states that it will not be allowing mask exemptions, and this includes with MD note.

The presentation compared masks to shoes. Shoes can be hot and uncomfortable. There are kids with sensory issues who don't like wearing shoes. Kids have difficulty tying them. Sometimes, especially with little ones, shoes come off, and teachers have to help them be put back on. But because it is a health and safety issue, we do not allow a doctor's note to exempt anyone from wearing shoes. There will be mask breaks during the day, though the duration and frequency was not specified, but the expectation is that all students wear masks or chose the remote learning option.

The plan is for 5-days of in-person class per week, assuming community spread stays low. There is a provision to go to hybrid model if community spread grows, and to fully distance learning if we get to another full-blown spike.

[nurseoflittlesharks]

My Elem. school is strongly encouraging mask, but they are not required. We started on Aug. 4