Health Center

The mission of the Health Center is to provide the best possible medical care for students while at the Indiana School for the Deaf. The Health Center staff strive to accomplish this goal in a manner which consistently creates a positive, pleasant, and productive health care environment for both students and staff. Families need to provide the Health Center with up-to-date health records for their child/ren including medication orders, medicines, and supplies. Please keep the Health Center informed of any changes related to your child’s medical needs.

It is necessary for all students at ISD to have their own home family healthcare provider. The Health Center and its staff should not be a substitute for this care. Basic health care will be provided to all students who become ill or injured while at ISD. Families will be contacted on a case-by-case basis when further care needs to be provided by their family doctor. Please do not use the Health Center as a substitute for your home family healthcare provider.

Please call the secretary of the appropriate department if your child will be absent due to illness or injury. A doctor’s excuse to return to school needs to be provided for any absence due to illness longer than five days, with the exception of chicken pox. The Health Center also needs up-to-date information about your child’s health insurance, including Medicaid, for medication and emergency needs. Please send a copy of any new or changed insurance cards by mail, fax (317) 614 0130 or e-mail ALL_HealthCenter@isd.k12.in.us.

Families will be notified immediately during school or after-school hours if their child is injured or becomes seriously ill. Families of residential students will be notified on an emergency basis during overnight hours. Families will be REQUIRED to pick up their child and transport them for further medical attention. If this is truly impossible, the Health Center will, based on limitations of staff availability, make a decision about the medical attention for your student. This policy helps avoid insurance glitches and ensures that your child will be more comfortable with a parent present during emergency medical care. The preference for emergency medical care is Methodist Hospital. (Special exceptions may consider insurance or specialty physicians). When a child returns to school following a fracture, surgery, or severe injury, please provide a physician’s note of treatment plans and activity restrictions (if they apply) and specify the applicable dates of restrictions.

The Health Center needs to be kept up to date about any allergies that your child may have to drugs, insects (bees), latex, or foods and the reactions that resulted. Because our Nurse Practitioner may see your student in your absence, he/she needs to be aware of any such allergies. Please contact the Health Center if you have any new information about allergies or just want to make sure we are aware of a previous allergy problem.

Please keep the Health Center informed about any medical updates on your child such as allergies, immunizations, medications, illnesses, etc. The Health Center requires an updated physical exam or well child check-up every three years. The phone numbers for the Health Center are: (317) 550-4818 (voice), (317 493-0497 (VP), (317) 871 4396 (Text). The Health Center fax number is (317) 614-0130. Fax services are available for families and/or physicians to fax orders and other medical information. The Health Center email address is ALL_HealthCenter@isd.k12.in.us.

The Health Center will provide:

1. Administration of medications as ordered by the Health Care Provider.

2. Administration of medical treatments as ordered by the Health Care Provider.

3. Illness and injury assessment and evaluation by staff and bi-weekly nurse practitioner visits.

4.  Observation of potential abuse/neglect. All staff is to report observations to the designated school counselor. (Schools are required, by statute, to report suspected incidents. IC 31-6-11-3).

5. Vision/Immunization Screening as required by Indiana State law or as requested by family or ISD staff.

6. Ushers screening every 3 years with parental permission on a referral basis.

7. Child psychiatrist services coordination.

Student Injury at School Policy

1. Families will be notified immediately if their child is injured while at school by the department secretary or the nurse in the Health Center.

2. The Health Center will provide basic medical care, but the family is then responsible for picking up their child and transporting the child for further medical attention.

3. Families are responsible for providing their own medical insurance for students attending ISD or ISD events.

4. ISD does not accept any responsibility for injuries occurring at ISD.

5. ISD will not reimburse families for medical expenses.

6. Families may file a tort claim with the Office of the Attorney General.

Medication Policy

(Indiana Code: 511 IAC 7-36-9)

The term “medication” is not limited to prescription medication but includes over-the-counter drugs. (Tylenol, cough suppressant, vitamins). ALL medication must be kept in the Health Center. Students may not self-administer medication without a specific doctor’s order to do so. Students who are found to be in possession of any medication both prescription and over-the counter will be subject to discipline – see student code of conduct. This discipline includes possible suspension. Medication must be administered by the school nurse or a designated school employee (during field trips, etc.). A school nurse will train any school employee designee, and it will be documented in the student’s health records.

ISD will not administer any medication without a written and dated consent of the family. The families’ written consent is valid only for the period specified on the form and the current school year. We prefer that all medications be brought to school by the family. When this is not possible, please notify the Health Center that medication is coming with the student and where it can be found (suitcase, backpack, etc.). Also, any medications carried by the student should be sent in a carefully sealed envelope with the following information affixed:

· the student’s name

· the medication names

· name of the family member sending the medication

· family member phone number

· prescriber’s name and phone number, if appropriate

Medication must be sent in the original container to be kept at school. You will, therefore, need to keep a supply at home for those times when your child is at home and in your care. If the medication should require a refill, the refilled medication must be sent in the original container in a sealed envelope with the signature of the family member (not the student). This is to ensure that all medication reaches the Health Center. A Health Center staff member will inform families/guardians when refills are needed. This notification will occur one week in advance of needed refill. Notification will be via phone call, letter, or email. Families will be responsible for the medication and should track the medication count and when a refill will be needed.

All medications must be given on the order of a licensed Health Care Provider and the label must contain the following information:

· the Health Care Provider’s name

· the child’s name

· specific directions for use

· the exact name of the drug

· the stop date for the medication (if any)

The Health Center reserves the right to request that day for the student’s medication be given at home! This applies primarily to any medication/treatments that involve the cumbersome process of sending the medication/treatments back and forth between home and school. This is especially true of antibiotics and in some cases behavior medications. This policy exists to provide optimal safety for the student and minimal disruption of the educational process.

The school Nurse Practitioner may discontinue the use of any drug prescribed if conditions warrant such action. Notification of this will be made to the family and documented in the student’s medical file. The Nurse Practitioner may reject any medication left by the family member that is not ordered by a licensed physician and is not deemed to be in the best medical interest of the student.

Any specific instructions for the medical care of the student must also be sent to the school in writing. It is the policy of the Nurse Practitioner to carry out the instructions of the prescribing Health Care Provider.

Guidelines for Illness

The Indiana State Department of Health advises that “no child can attend school that is acutely ill or has a fever, cough, respiratory illness or diarrhea. If the child is present at school with those symptoms, the child should be temporarily removed from the school setting.”

Specific health conditions that could exclude your child from school include:

1. Fever of 101 degrees or higher and fever free for 24 hours WITHOUT using fever reducing medication.

2. Widespread, untreated rash.

3. Vomiting and/or persistent diarrhea.

4. Draining, red, or matted eyes.

5. Serious respiratory infections with persistent cough, fever, and/or large amounts of green/yellow drainage.

6. Chicken pox – may return to school when all blisters are scabbed over, and student is fever-free for 24 hours.

7. Untreated lice or scabies

Any student, who is suspected of having an acute illness, injury, or rash, should be sent to the Health Center for evaluation. Treatment, family contact, and possibly sending the student home are the responsibility of the Health Center staff. The Indiana State Department of Health develops guidelines and regulations for such actions with the appropriate modifications outlined by ISD’s Nurse Practitioner. As in all public school environments, cooperation between schools, health departments, physicians, and families are needed to control communicable diseases among school children.

If families have any questions about any of these policies or any specific illnesses, they should contact the Health Center at (317) 550-4818 – voice, 317-871-4396 - text, or (317) 493-0497 - video phone.

Immunization Policy

At the time of enrollment in any grade, it is the responsibility of the family of the student to provide proof of proper immunization in accordance with the current Indiana Code and Rules. On the student’s first day of attendance, if proof of proper immunization is not provided, that student will be in violation of Indiana State Law. (Waivers may be granted following Indiana Code section 20-8.1-7-10). Students may not attend school without proof of required immunizations or an acceptable waiver. Families should contact the Health Center if they have any questions regarding the current requirements or their child’s immunization status.

Please check the Health Center section on www.deafhoosiers.com for the most up-to-date health concerns and health related topics.

Drug Testing Policy

A STATEMENT OF NEED AND PURPOSE

A program of deterrence will be instituted as a pro-active approach to a drug free school. Students using illegal drugs pose a threat to their own health and safety, as well as to that of other students. The purpose of this program is threefold: (1) to provide for the health and safety of students; (2) to undermine the effects of peer pressure by providing a legitimate reason for students to refuse to use illegal drugs; and (3) to encourage students who use drugs to participate in drug treatment programs. It is the purpose of this program to educate, help, and direct students away from drug and alcohol abuse and toward a healthy and drug free lifestyle. The program is non-punitive and is designed to create a safe, drug free, environment for students and assist them in getting help when needed.

CONSENT FORM

It is MANDATORY that each student signs and returns the “consent form” prior to participation in any extracurricular activity. Failure to comply will result in possible consequence as outlined in the code of conduct with an opportunity to meet with a support staff to review the impact of the student’s behavior to help student make good choices in life.

At the beginning of each selection date, school year or sport season, as determined by the Indiana High School Athletic Association, or when a student joins an activity, all students wishing to participate in that season’s sports may be subject to urinalysis for illicit or banned substances. Up to 10% of eligible students will be randomly tested a minimum of four (4) times during the school year. Any student who refuses to submit to urine drug testing will not be allowed to practice or participate in designated extracurricular Indiana School for the Deaf activities or drive a vehicle on campus for the until the student’s consent form is turned in.

Each student shall be provided with a “consent form”, a copy of which is attached here to, which shall be dated and signed by the student and family member. In so doing, the student is agreeing to participate in the random drug testing program at the Indiana School for the Deaf. Any student who fails to sign and return a consent form by the selection date and then decides to participate in an extra-curricular activity program at later date must submit to urinalysis. The student and/or family will be financially responsible for the urinalysis.

BANNED SUBSTANCES

For the purpose of this policy, the following substances or their metabolites that can be tested for are considered illicit or banned for the Indiana School for the Deaf students.

· Alcohol

· Amphetamines

· Anabolic Steroids

· Barbiturates

· Benzodiazepines

· Cocaine Metabolites

· LSD

· Marijuana Metabolites

· Methadone

· Methaqualone

· Nicotine (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vape, pipe, snuff and/or any other tobacco products)

· Opiates

· Phencyclidine

· Propoxyphene

· Other Specified Drugs

1. The selection of participants to be tested will be done randomly from time to time throughout the school year by the principal/residential dean/administrative designee. Names will be drawn from one large pool of those agreeing to be tested. Testing may occur on any school day, Monday through Friday. This variable schedule will keep students conscious of the possibility of being tested at any time during the year. Each student will be assigned to a number that will be placed in the drawing.

2. If the student shows signs of reasonable suspicion, the principal/residential dean/administrative designee will call and inform the student’s family. Factors will include but are not limited to, excessive discipline problems and/or excessive absences from school, shows signs of drug behavior such as red eyes or lethargic behavior.

3. No student will be given advance notice or early warning of the testing. In addition, a strict chain of custody will be enforced to eliminate invalid tests or outside influences.

4. Upon being selected for a urinalysis test under this policy, either by random draw, reasonable suspicion, or a “follow-up test”, the student will be required to provide a sample of “fresh” urine according to the quality control standards and policy of the laboratory conducting the urinalysis.

5. If it is proven that tampering or cheating has occurred during the collection, the student will become ineligible for all the “extracurricular activities” for the remainder of the school year. This will be reported to the family.

6. Immediately after the specimen is taken, the student may return to class with an office note or pass from the principal/residential dean/administrative designee with a signature and a time the student left the collection site.

7. The laboratory selected must follow the standards set by the Department of Health and Human Services. It must be certified under the auspices of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).

8. The family will be contacted the day of testing informing them of their child’s participation in the drug testing on the same day as well as when the results are received.

COLLECTION PROCESS

1. Student donor will report to the Health Center to have the process explained to them.

2. The department secretary will be available to assist in identifying any student not in possession of a school ID.

3. Student signs their name on the laboratory paperwork.

4. Student is instructed to wash hands.

5. Student is given a collection cup and instructed to urinate into the cup, not to flush and to bring the cup out to the collector when finished.

6. If the student is unable to provide a specimen, the student is instructed to stay with the department secretary in a restricted area, can drink up to 24 fluid ounces and have 2 hours to provide a specimen.

7. When the student provides a specimen, the collector checks the temperature and if ok, then pours the urine into the secure cup and puts the lid on it.

8. The collector instructs the student to initial the seals on the chain of custody.

9. Collector attaches the chain of custody seal on the secure cup.

10. Collector checks the chain of custody for completion with the student and has the student initial the chain of custody form verifying all data is correct.

11. Collector puts the original chain of custody in the secure bag along with the specimen. The specimens are placed in a large bag that is transported to the laboratory that tests the specimens and then issues the result to the principal and Director of Instruction.

TEST RESULTS

1. This program seeks to provide needed help for students who have a verified “positive” test. The student’s health, welfare, and safety will be the reason for preventing students from participation in extracurricular activities.

2. The principal/administrative designee will be notified of a student testing “positive”. The principal/administrative designee will notify the student and their parent/guardian. The student or their parent/guardian may submit any documented prescription, explanation, or information which will be considered in determining whether a “positive” test has been satisfactorily explained.

3. In addition, the student or parent/guardian may appeal by requesting that the urine specimen be tested again by the certified laboratory at a cost to the student or their parent/guardian.

4. Any student, regardless of being of age, that is in school while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or any medication not prescribed by a physician. (Indiana Code 20-8.1-5-4, Sec. 4(a)). Will be given a 10-day home suspension pending expulsion and a case conference will be scheduled.

5. If the student tests “positive”, the student and their family will be given the names of counseling and assistance agencies that the parent/guardian may want to contact for help.

6. For the first instance of a “positive” test, the student will be prevented from participating in extracurricular activities for sixty (60) calendar days. A second instance will result in a one hundred and eighty (180) day suspension from extracurricular activities and a third instance will result in a suspension from participation for the duration of the student’s enrollment at the Indiana School for the Deaf. A “follow-up” test is requested by the principal/administrative designee and the results are reported prior to any participation after a positive test. The Indiana School for the Deaf reserves the right to continue testing at any time during the remaining school year for a student who tested positive and did not make a satisfactory explanation.

7. Information on a verified “positive” test result will be shared on a “need to know” basis with the student’s coach or activity sponsor. The results of the “negative” tests will be kept confidential to protect the identity of all students being tested.

8. Drug testing result sheets will be returned to the principal/administrative designee identifying students by name. Names of students tested will not be kept in open files or on any computer. Result sheets will be filed in the student’s individual central file.

Financial Responsibility

1. Under this policy, the Indiana School for the Deaf will pay for all initial random drug tests, all initial reasonable suspicion drug tests, and all initial “follow-up” drug tests. (If a student has a verified “positive” test result and has subsequently tested negative from a “follow-up” test, any future “follow-up” drug test that must be conducted will be paid for by the student or their family).

2. A request on appeal for another test of a “positive” urine specimen is the financial responsibility of the student or their parent/guardian.

3. Counseling and subsequent treatment by non-school agencies is the financial responsibility of the student or their parent/guardian.

Confidentiality

Under this drug testing program, any staff, coach or activity sponsor of the Indiana School for the Deaf who may have knowledge of the results of a drug test will not divulge to anyone the results of the test or the disposition of the student involved, other than in the case of a legal subpoena being made upon that person in the course of a legal investigation. Once again, this will underscore the commitment to confidentiality of the Indiana School for the Deaf with regards to the program.

Any staff person who interferes with the confidentiality or accurateness of the testing procedures will be subject to dismissal pending a pre-deprivation meeting verifying the accuracy of the accusations.

Crisis Protocol Suicidal and Homicidal Students

POLICY:

Students who discuss self-injury, suicidal and/or homicidal ideation or take action that results in purposeful self-harm are to be immediately referred to a counselor or their designee to the suicide/homicide risk assessment, which gathers pertinent details and initiate steps to ensure the student’s safety.

PROCEDURES:

SELF INJURY OR TALK OF SUICIDE/HOMICIDE

If a student makes a suicidal or homicidal comment or action:

1. The student’s families will be contacted and given the facts regarding what has occurred. For all students, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will be called for consultation and then families will be informed of the instructions. The Aspire Crisis Hotline Number will be used for Aspire clients only and families will also be informed of the instructions after a consultation is completed.

2. The number for families to call when in a crisis are:

· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255

· Suicide Prevention/Crisis Hotline Text Line for the Deaf: 741-741

· Aspire Crisis Hotline Number: (800) 560 – 4038 (FOR ASPIRE CLIENTS ONLY)

3. The Health Center charge nurse will be notified immediately for all crises.

4. Families will be notified with a summary the child’s comment or action and results of the consultation.

5. ISD will implement a safety plan and will communicate with the student’s teachers, residential advisors, and other staff if necessary. Families will receive a copy of the safety plan.

HOMICIDAL COMMENTS

If a student makes a threat of harm toward another person(s), or any threat of violence that could cause harm to others, the “Crisis Protocol Step-by-Step Procedures” will be followed with the addition of the following step:

1. The counselor, principal/dean of student, residential dean, chief of campus police, and other personnel as deemed necessary will develop a safety plan to ensure the students or staff member are safe. The team will determine if the student and/or families being named in the threat should be notified following guidance from the crisis counselor.

2. If it is determined that the students and/or staff are in danger (per crisis call), then the ISD counselor who is following the Crisis Protocol will contact the persons and families. If the threatened person is a student, that student’s family must be contacted and informed of the threat and what is being done to protect the student.

3. The principal/dean of students will follow the student-family handbook for any appropriate consequences to the student making the threat.

4. ISD campus police will be notified based on the recommendations and instructions from the Crisis Line worker. chief of campus police will be forwarded a copy of the parent letter in cases of threats of harm (homicidal comments).

STUDENT INJURY OR ATTEMPTED INJURY

If the student is in IMMEDIATE DANGER, Health Center will be contacted to inform campus police, (317) 550-4874 to call 911 if needed, or to help. Staff will notify parent(s) to meet at the hospital.

IF UNABLE TO CONTACT FAMILIES: ISD staff will contact the student’s LEA and/or as a last resort, the local police to help make contact with the family.

Safety Plan: A safety plan will be completed by the staff in charge and/or counselor and student. Copies of the safety plan are also given to appropriate staff members. This document will be available on the first day the student returns to school.

STUDENT RETURNS TO SCHOOL/RESIDENTIAL

If the student received a mental health assessment or a copy of release statement from a mental health professional, the statements will be given to the following people:

· School Counselor

· Principal

· Classroom Teacher

· Dean of Student

· Residential Dean

· Health Center

The student will be seen within 24 hours by the assigned counselor.

CRISIS OFF CAMPUS

IF A CRISIS (suicidal or homicidal comment; student exhibiting dangerous or inappropriate behavior that may cause harm to self or others) OCCURS WHILE OFF CAMPUS (i.e. game, special event, field trip, etc.):

1. The Crisis Procedures will be followed.

2. IMMEDIATELY THE STUDENT WILL BE PLACED WITH A STAFF MEMBER AND STAY WITH THAT STAFF MEMBER.

3. If that child is physically hurt, 911 should be contacted. Staff will contact one of the following contact numbers:

· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255,

· Suicide Prevention/Crisis Hotline Text Line for the Deaf: 741-741, or

· Aspire Crisis Hotline Number: (800) 560 – 4038 (FOR ASPIRE CLIENTS ONLY)

4.

COUNSELING SERVICES

ISD has counselors that provide a variety of services to students and families. The school counselors provide:

*Social and emotional support to students *Individual/Group counseling

*Support and training for staff and families *Liaison with mental health services

*Support to all new students *Crisis management

Food Service

USDA National School Breakfast & Lunch Program

ISD offers meals that are in compliance with the USDA National School Breakfast & Lunch Program. Day students are offered breakfast and lunch meals served in the cafeteria. Residential students will also get dinner served in the cafeteria. All students receive free and reduced lunch at ISD. All eligible students will complete the free and reduced-lunch form.

Dietary Restrictions

The ISD follows the USDA guidelines in providing special dietary accommodations for students. The process for requesting special accommodations with specific dietary restrictions is:

1. The family will complete the Special Dietary Needs Medical Statement form (this requires a physician/medical authority to complete). The form can be obtained from the Health Center, please call and request a form from them or click on the link below to print:

a. ENGLISH: https://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/nutrition/msf-pl-updated_0.pdf

b. SPANISH: https://www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/nutrition/spanish-medical-statement-1222019.pdf

2. Send the completed form to the Health Center, who will then, review and process the request.

3. The Health Center will communicate with the family if additional signature or information is needed.

4. The Health Center will communicate with the food service director, and IEP administrator for implementation of the dietary accommodation.

5. The family can contact the Health Center or your child’s classroom teacher for further questions or concerns with the dietary accommodation.

6. Any changes that are needed will require a new form to be signed off by a physician/medical authority.

Gleaners School Based Food Pantry is available to students and families in need. Contact the student life administrative assistant for more information on how to access the Food Pantry at the ISD.