DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF PASCO COUNTY

PRIVATE DUTY NURSE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Parents of Students Requesting Private Duty Nursing on School Campuses:

The District School Board of Pasco County (DSBPC) must ensure the provision of a free and appropriate public education to students with chronic health conditions, which may be delivered to students in a variety of ways. The information provided in this document is intended to assist parents who are requesting a private duty nurse attend school with their child.

A private duty nurse is a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) provided by the parent, or other public agency, to provide one-on-one medical care to a student. Within Pasco County Schools, private duty nurses are allowed to provide medical care to students at the parent’s request. Parents are not responsible for the provision of medical services for the student during the school day and should not be requested to do so.

A private duty nurse must be employed by a nursing agency and cannot be directly employed by a parent. The private duty nurse is not an employee of the DSBPC, and does not have the rights of an employee. The private duty nurse/agency must enter into an indemnification agreement/acknowledgement as part of its contract with the DSBPC and prior to providing services.

In the event the agency’s private duty nurse is absent, the DSBPC will provide medical services outlined in the student’s T/IEP and Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP); therefore, a plan must be developed to ensure the delivery of necessary medical services in the event of an absence.

Before providing service for the student in the school setting, a private duty nurse must complete the district background screening process (fingerprinting). The agency, or the family, is responsible for the cost associated with this process.

Additionally, the private duty nurse must:

1.  Maintain written documentation of health monitoring, including medications administrated and procedures performed, that are required for both the agency and the DSBPC

2.  Be familiar with the DSBPC Critical Incident Plan

3.  Update the school nurse regarding any changes in medical orders/procedures

4.  Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all students in the classroom, as per the Florida Nurse Practice Act

5.  Use universal precautions at all times

6.  Provide medical/health assistance to assigned student only (unless an emergency situation occurs)

In the event the private duty nurse is unable to maintain appropriate professional behaviors within the school, the DSPBC reserves the right to request the nursing agency provide other personnel for the student.

Please provide the attached documents, Responsibilities of the Private Duty Nurse and Nursing Agency, and Acknowledgement and Indemnification to your nursing provider to assist the DSBPC in clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the private duty nurse.

If you have questions, please contact the ESE Department at (813) 794-2600, (727) 774-2600, or

(352) 524-2600.