UPR003526-15 Manual 2942.0 SHSM Vol I DRAFT master

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DoDEA School Health Services Manual 2942.0 Volume 1 Revised: 2016 DRAFT
G-1 Clinical Guidelines
G-1-1 Communicable Disease Control
of this DoDEA guide contains a list of references for control of
communicable diseases. This was developed based on information provided by the
Centers for Disease Control . School
nurses must work closely with their local medical treatment facility, and present a
united message to the school and community.
The school nurse has a responsibility to promote health and wellness in the
schools. Student and staff absences due to preventable illnesses interrupt the learning
process. Disease prevention can be provided through one-on-one education about a
communicable disease process, a classroom presentation or whole school assembly,
parent meeting presentations and articles in the school newsletter.
Often, a communicable disease present in a community causes an increased level
of concern among the sponsor/parent/guardian and staff. The following key points will
assist in responding to and mitigating community concerns:
• Have a confirmed diagnosis from the local medical command
• Consult the medical command and principal to determine notification
needs to sponsors/parents/guardians.
• Give priority to notification needs for those students with immunization
waivers on file. See mmunization Exemption, for medical
or religious exemptions.
• If notice to the community is to be released, send the notice to the whole
school and NOT an individual classroom or group of students. This is to
protect the release of medical information pertaining to specific
individuals.
• Include signs/symptoms that sponsors/parent/guardians should watch for
in their dependent AND contact information for the
sponsor/parent/guardian should they have questions or concerns.
• Implement a follow-up plan with additional information as needed,
collaborate with the local MTF.
G-1-2 Pediculosis (Head lice) Protocol
Head louse is the topic of extreme consternation for many, many
sponsors/parents/guardians, principals, teachers and school nurses. Head lice can be a
nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or
cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. Pediculosis is
addressed in SHSM, Communicable Disease Control. To alleviate