California School-Based Health Services: Legal Compliance Guide
Ensuring Your School’s Health Services are Legally Sound
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California has a robust legal framework governing school-based health services, ensuring that students receive comprehensive care while attending school. Here's a breakdown of the key legal requirements:
Licensing and Certification
School-based health centers (SBHCs) must be licensed by the California Department of Public Health as independent clinics, affiliate clinics, satellite clinics, or mobile vans.
SBHCs must be certified as providers for the California Children's Services program (CCS) and/or Medi-Cal.
Facility Requirements
SBHCs must comply with school fire and safety regulations.
SBHCs must adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules regarding bloodborne pathogens.
SBHCs must comply with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations for any laboratory tests conducted on-site.
Scope of Services
California Education Code 49427 mandates that school districts and county superintendents maintain adequate health services to:
Preserve students' ability to learn.
Fulfill existing state health requirements and policies.
Contain health care costs through preventive programs and education.
California Health and Safety Code 124174.6 outlines requirements for SBHCs receiving grant funds, including:
Providing comprehensive services such as medical, oral health, mental health, health education, and related services.
Offering primary and other health care services, including physical exams, immunizations, and preventive care.
Additional Considerations
California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 3051.12, details specific health and nursing services that may be provided by qualified personnel, including managing health problems, consulting with students and parents, and providing counseling.
The California Department of Education provides resources and support for school-based health programs, including mental health services.
Information published to or by The Industry Leader will never constitute legal, financial or business advice of any kind, nor should it ever be misconstrued or relied on as such. For individualized support for yourself or your business, we strongly encourage you to seek appropriate counsel.
