"medically fragile" definition

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Nov 13, 2013

I can see if I can find the definition of one of the local private schools. (I work as a PDN and accompany medically complex/ fragile kids to school. ) I know for a 1:1 nurse (must be RN or LPN) some if the criteria are unstable epilepsy, potential for suctioning, regular continuous pulse ox (not just spot check), trach, vent , orders for PRN or continuous oxygen, jtube nutrition. Certain types of GT feeds. Or a combination. Some policies also include if high risk for aspiration.

1:1 nursing for transport only potential need for Diastat (or other anti- epileptic med) as only parent/guardian or licensed nurse may administer these meds.

IchoricaSN · Nov 14, 2013

Hello!
My supervisor, who is not a medical person, wants to put a definition of a "medically fragile" student in the policies, handbook etc. Basically just a high medical needs kid. Do any of you have such a definition in your districts, and if so can you share? And do you call it something different? I don't know how I feel about "medically fragile." I have a lot of high needs kids considering our small population. This will help kids get a CNA for an aide, etc. Thanks!
Teresa

In my district it is medically complex. Our states educational board has a definition for all the levels of care. Maybe check there? Ill see if i can find my states and post it.

SchlNrsKrn · Nov 14, 2013

In Texas, the TEA has their own definition of medically fragile:

"MEDICALLY-FRAGILE-IND-CODE indicates whether the student receiving special education and related services is:

1) in the age range of birth to 22 years, and

2) has a serious, ongoing illness or a chronic condition that has lasted or is anticipated to last at least 12 or more months or has required at least one month of hospitalization, and that requires daily, ongoing medical treatments and monitoring by appropriately trained personnel which may include parents or other family members, and

3) requires the routine use of medical device or of assistive technology to compensate for the loss of usefulness of a body function needed to participate in activities of daily living, and

4) lives with ongoing threat to his or her continued well-being."

This is generally decided on by the Diagnostitian/ARD Committe. The way it is worded, many students I would not consider "fragile" are classified as such.