5335 - CARE OF STUDENTS WITH SEIZURE OR EPILEPSY DISORDERS

The Board will provide epilepsy or seizure disorder are to a student based upon the student's Individualized seizure action plan (“ISAP”), individualized education plan (“IEP”), or Section 504 accommodation plan.

Definitions

In accordance with Florida law, the following definitions shall apply to this policy:

1. "Individualized seizure action plan," or "ISAP," means a document that outlines a set of procedural guidelines and specific directions for the provision of health care and emergency services by a school for a student who has epilepsy or seizure disorders.
2. "Medical professional" means a physician licensed under F.S. Chapter 458 or 459, a physician assistant licensed under F.S. Chapter 458 or Chapter 459, or an advanced practiced registered nurse licensed under F.S. 464.012 who provides epilepsy or seizure disorder care to the student.

Creation and Implementation of an ISAP

To initiate the implementation of an ISAP, a student's parent must submit to the principal and school nurse or other appropriate school employee an ISAP that meets the following requirements:

1. An ISAP must be developed and signed by a medical professional, in consultation with the student's parent.
2. Written orders from the student's medical professional outlining the student's epilepsy or seizure disorder recommended care.
3. The parent's signature.
4. The student's epilepsy or seizure disorder symptoms.
5. Any accommodations the student requires for school trips, after-school programs and activities, class parties, and any other school-related activities.
6. When and whom to call for medical assistance.
7. The student's ability to manage, and the student's level of understanding of, his/her epilepsy or seizure disorder.
8. How to maintain communication with the student, the student's parent, and the student's health care team, school nurse, and educational staff.
9. Any rescue medication prescribed by the student's medical professional and how and when to administer the medication.

The ISAP should be submitted before or at the beginning of the school year, upon enrollment, or as soon as practicable following a diagnosis of a seizure disorder for a student.

The provisions of a student's ISAP remain in effect until the student's parent submits a revised ISAP, signed by a medical professional, identifying any changes based on the student's condition. A school may implement training and student supports outlined in this policy regardless of whether a parent submits an ISAP.

School Response to Receipt of an ISAP

The school nurse or an appropriate school employee of that receives an ISAP shall:

1. In accordance with F.S. 1006.062, coordinate the provision of epilepsy and seizure disorder care at the school for the student, including administering anti-seizure and rescue medications as outlined in the ISAP.
2. Verify that each school employee whose duties include regular contact with the student has completed training in the care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders. The training must include how to recognize the symptoms of and provide care for epilepsy and seizure disorders.

The school shall provide each school employee whose duties include regular contact with the student with all of the following:

1. Notice of the student's condition.
2. Information from the ISAP on how to provide the recommended care for the student if s/he shows symptoms of the epilepsy or seizure disorder.
3. The contact information for the student's parent and emergency contacts.

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