Students with chronic conditions often have unique educational needs and health considerations that require individual planning. Every student with a chronic condition should have access to school nursing care. Better management and control of chronic health conditions are key, leading to success for these students, both in school and in their community. Care for these students should include teaching and encouraging self-care skills, as the locus of control for making decisions about health shifts to the individual.
To help schools eliminate discrimination against students with disabilities due to chronic conditions or other reasons, the Office of Civil Rights created this resource: Parent and Educator Guide to Section 504. Many students with chronic conditions will qualify for accommodations through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- School Wellness Policy Supplement: Managing Chronic Conditions (NASN)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Managing Chronic Health Conditions in Schools
- University of Missouri Gastrostomy Tube Resource
- Sample Individualized Health Plans (MASN)
- Improving Care Coordination for Students with Chronic Conditions Toolkit (NASN)
- Translating Strategies into Actions to Improve Care Coordination for Students with Chronic Health Conditions
Asthma
Asthma Management: Guidelines for Maine Schools
NASN Resources
- NASN Clinical Practice Guideline: Students with Asthma
- NASN Nurse Checklist
- Other Resources
- Maine CDC Asthma Program
- US CDC: Managing Asthma in Schools
- American Lung Association – Improve Asthma Management in Schools
- AIR Now – Air Quality Flag Program
- US Environmental Protection Agency – Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools
Life-threatening Allergy
- NASN Clinical Practice Guideline: Students with Allergies and Risk for Anaphylaxis
-
Food Allergy Management in Schools (FAMS): Expert Recommendations for K-12
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: Stock Epinephrine Toolkit for Schools
- American Academy of Pediatrics Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
- Sample Collaborative Practice Agreement
- Schools may utilize programs to assist in supplying a stock of Epinephrine
- EpiPen4Schools
- neffyinSchools
- Convenient MD School Nurse Partnership
Links to organizations and resources are for reference and information only and do not imply endorsement by the
Maine Department of Education.
Contact
Emily Poland, MPH, RN, NCSN
School Nurse Consultant
Coordinated School Health Team Leader
Email: emily.poland@maine.gov