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DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF PASCO COUNTY

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRIVATE DUTY NURSE AND NURSING AGENCY

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 clarify the roles and responsibilities of the private duty nurse and nursing agency.

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.

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 the assigned student only (unless an emergency situation occurs)

The agency provider will:

1.  Ensure that agency staff assigned to the student complete the required district background screening (fingerprinting)

2.  Ensure that agency staff complete written documentation of health monitoring, including medications administrated and procedures performed, that are required for both the agency and the DSBPC

Should the agency’s private duty nurse be 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.

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

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

(352) 524-2600.