Who meets the special health care needs of North Carolina schoolchildren?

In January 1991, 135 school districts and six specialty schools in North Carolina were surveyed to obtain data regarding the performance of specific health-related procedures in the school setting. Results indicate a patchwork approach to meeting the special health care needs of these children, and that a variety of school personnel as well as parents and health professionals are involved in coordinating and performing the procedures. Teachers and teacher assistants perform these health-related procedures 44% of the time. Registered nurses coordinate the care, including assessment, care planning, and supervision to assure continued competence of the care provider and safety for the student less than 45% of the time. Some 13 school districts reported having no school nurse services. Efforts have begun to legislate a statewide policy with appropriations for a registered nurse to provide an initial evaluation of the student's needs, develop care plan, and provide ongoing supervision of services to assure that safe, appropriate care is being provided to all students with special health-related needs in North Carolina.