Content Information
Children attend school daily with complex healthcare needs that include palliative /or end of life care. School nurses and other healthcare providers ethically respond to parents requests and honor the health care plans developed by the child’s parents and health care providers.
On Sept. 5, 2019, the Director issued a supervisory order regarding school compliance with physician’s order for scope of treatment. This supervisory order explains to schools that school nurses and other health care providers employed by schools and AEA must comply with physician orders for scope of treatment under Iowa Code chapter 144D ("IPOST"), including when an IPOST contains orders regarding life-sustaining procedures (e.g., an order to not perform CPR or call 911).
This order also notes that other school personnel may comply with IPOST forms.
The Declaratory Ruling can be located on the Iowa Department of Education's Administrative Appeal Decisions page: https://appeals.educateiowa.gov/
Decision Number 145 (Book 29) September 2019, in RE: School Compliance with Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/5085/download?inline
Students with an IPOST require an Individualized Health Plan (IHP) for ongoing Special Health Services developed by the licensed school nurse.