3414 - Infectious Diseases Policy

Policy 3414

STUDENTS

Infectious Diseases 
In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases, the superintendent shall implement procedures assuring that all school buildings are in compliance with state board of health rules and regulations regarding the presence of persons who have or have been exposed to infectious diseases deemed dangerous to the public health.  Such procedures shall also prescribe the manner in which safeguards are taken to remove the danger to others. 

The board authorizes the school principal to exclude a student who has been diagnosed by a physician or is suspected of having an infectious disease in accordance with the most current Infectious Disease Control Guide, provided by the State Department of Health and OSPI.  The principal and/or school nurse shall report the presence of a suspected case or cases or reportable communicable disease to appropriate local health authority as required by the state board of health.  The principal shall cooperate with the local health officials in the investigation of the source of the disease. 

Student health information shall be kept strictly confidential. This includes, but is not limited to information concerning testing, results, diagnosis and treatment for a sexually transmitted disease and any information regarding student drug and alcohol treatment.  The district may only release student health information as permitted by state and federal law, or if a signed release is provided by an authorized party. 

A school principal has the authority to send an ill child home without the concurrence of the local health officer; but if the disease is reportable, the local health officer must be notified.  The local health officer is the primary resource in the identification and control of infectious disease in community and school. The superintendent or designee will consult with the local health officer and follow the direction of the local health officer to take whatever actions are deemed necessary to control or eliminate the spread of disease, including closing school. 

Legal Reference: RCW 28A.210.010 Contagious diseases, limiting contact – Rules and regulations 

                               RCW Ch. 70.02 Medical Records—Health care information access and disclosure 

                               Ch 246-110 WAC School districts and day care centers – Contagious diseases 

                               WAC 246-100-071 Responsibility for reporting and cooperating with the local health department 

                               WAC 246-100-076 Reportable diseases and conditions 

Adoption Date:  September 26, 2017