School Health Services after Cedar Rapids Independent School District v. Garret F

Abstract

In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that “school health services” include nursing services that are required for students needing one-on-one (“private-duty”) nursing care to attend school. This ruling settled opposing federal court interpretations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, clarifying the rights of students with complex medical needs and the responsibility of school districts to provide them with an appropriate educational program. In responding to the challenges and opportunities raised by this decision, school nurses must understand the implications for school nursing practice and for school districts, educate their school leaders and communities, and provide leadership for creative and collaborative problem solving.

Keywords

delegation individualized educational program individualized healthcare plan Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)least restrictive environment medically fragile student school health services (as “related services”)Section 504 students with complex medical needs

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References

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