California schools offer varying levels of health services, from programs meeting minimum legal requirements to school-based health centers (SBHCs) that offer comprehensive medical, mental and/or oral health care. In all cases, school health services emphasize health promotion, early detection, and disease prevention to support student success in school.
New Epilepsy Medication Law
California has recently passed SB 161: Schools Emergency Administration of Epilepsy Medication. SB 161 authorizes school districts to train employees to administer an emergency antiseizure medication to pupils with epilepsy who are suffering a seizure when a registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse is not available and with permission from the parent or guardian. Employee volunteers are required to receive emergency medical training before being allowed to administer the medication. The California Department of Education must develop regulations and a training guide by July 1. See these frequently asked questions on CDE’s website, and review resources available from the California School Nurses Organization. The bill’s provisions will remain in effect until Jan. 1, 2017.
Mandated Services
Some health services are required for all students by California Education Code or Health and Safety Code, and others are required for certain students as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services are typically provided by school personnel, such as school nurses, but they may be provided by other staff depending on the level of service and related legal or credentialing requirements.
The primary mandated school health services are:
- Special education related services
- School-based prescription medication administration, vision, hearing, and Scoliosis screening
Read more about Mandated Services.
See this summary of selected California Education Code and California Health and Safety Code.
Expanded Program Models
Schools often choose to expand their school health services beyond mandated services to better meet the needs of students in their community. This can mean offering medical, mental health or oral health services, or programs to address specific health problems (such as asthma) or to promote healthier behaviors (such as healthier eating and more physical activity). School health services may be organized under different program models.
Expanded program models include:
- SBHCs
- School nursing programs
- Student counseling or mental health programs
- School-linked health services or telehealth services
- Mobile clinics
- Oral health programs
- Health promotion programs
Read more about Expanded Program Models.
