The goal of the District’s Health Services is to maximize each student’s potential to learn by promoting optimal health through the provision of basic school health services.

Services Provided By School Nurse

Palo Verde contracts with Tulare Office of Education for the services of a registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree, is credentialed by the California Commission on Teachers Credentialing, and has an extensive background in health education, child assessment, and the use of community resource (ED Code 49426). This registered nurse is assigned to Palo Verde, but is not present at the school on a daily basis. The nurse identifies the health needs of students, provides case management, and assists parents in seeking appropriate care and correction. This nurse also oversees our school LVN and conducts screenings for hearing and vision, and does a health screening on sixth graders prior to SCICON.

Medication 

Any medication that a student takes during school hours must be kept in the office or health aide’s room.  A signed doctor's note is REQUIRED in order to administer any type of medication. This includes cough drops/cough medicine, Tylenol, Advil, aspirin, eye drops, medicated ointments, etc.

Administration of Medication

The following are MANDATORY if a student is required to take medication during the school day;

• A completed “Permit to Take Medication at School” form (includes student’s name, medication, dosage, directions, physician’s signature, and parent’s signature). This must be provided on an annual basis. 

• The parent must bring the medication to school in the original clearly marked  container and pick it up at the end of the school year

Medication in School Form (24-25)

Immunizations

At the time of registration, the school is required to have proof that your child has received all currently due immunizations as required by California School Immunization Law. Specific immunization requirements are available from your school, school nurse, or health care provider.

Physical Examination

California law requires that all children have a physical examination 18 months before 1st grade. Please bring a copy of this exam to the school by the 1st day of first grade. Call the school health office for information about a free exam if you have no health insurance and there is a financial need. Parental waivers are available under certain conditions. 

Physical Examination: Health and Safety Codes 324.2, 325.5

Health Screenings

Vision: Grades K or, 2, 5, 8 and any referrals

Color Vision: Boys: Grade 1

Hearing: Grades K or, 2, 5, 8 and any referrals

Acanthosis Nigricans: Ed code provides for the screening of every female pupil in grade 7 and every male pupil in grade 8 for the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. (1) Measure the height and weight of the pupil to calculate the pupil’s body mass index. (2) Examining the pupil’s neck for acanthosis nigricans, a dark pigmentation that may indicate a high insulin level. 

Parents may submit a written request for exemption from any of the above health screenings

Healthy Screening: C.E.C. 49402, 49451, 49452, 49452.5, 49452.6, 49455 and 49456

Please contact your school nurse for further information if your child does not currently have health insurance, Medi-Cal or Healthy Families.

Anaphylaxis Treatment Annual Notification to Parents

California Education Code 4914 authorizes school districts to provide epinephrine auto-injectors to trained personnel to use to provide emergency medical aid to persons suffering from an anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic response triggered by insect stings, foods, medication, latex materials, exercise, or in rare cases by unknown causes. This is a life-threatening allergic condition, requiring immediate treatment. Administering epinephrine to students during a medical emergency may help to insure the student’s health and safety at school. Therefore, the Tulare County Office of Education has adopted a policy for standing orders or provides life-saving epinephrine to students who are in need of such treatment.  

This policy states that a credentialed, licensed school nurse or trained, unlicensed school staff, under the direct or indirect supervision of the credentialed school nurse (or supervisor of health), may administer epinephrine in the form of an epinephrine auto-injector during a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. The epinephrine auto-injector rapidly delivers a pre-measured, sterile, single dose of epinephrine by direct injection through the skin. 

** If parents/guardians do not wish their child to receive this treatment, they must indicate in writing within two weeks of the beginning of school.