School Information

Guidelines for Training School Employees Who Are Not Licensed Healthcare Professionals

Guidelines for Training School Employees Who Are Not Licensed Healthcare Professionals (PDF, 49 kb, viewing information)

Frequently Asked Questions related to implementing House Bill (HB) 984 (PDF, 35 kb, viewing information)

House Bill (HB) 984, passed in the 79th regular Legislative Session, relates to the care of students with diabetes in schools. The bill mandates that principals identify unlicensed personnel to assist with caring for students during the regular school day or while participating in a school activity. The bill also mandates that the Texas Diabetes Council (TDC) develop guidelines for training school personnel to be diabetes care assistants.

The Texas School Nurses Organization (TSNO) provides specific recommendations for nursing practice and campus implementation of HB 984, including sample protocols, fact sheets and training agendas.
» Go to the TSNO web site.

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) has developed a guide to educate and inform school personnel about diabetes, how it is managed, and how each member of the school staff can help meet the needs of students with the disease:
» Go to the NDEP web site.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) also has training materials for use in schools:
» Go to the ADA web site.

In addition, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) has a training manual, Pediatric Education for Diabetes in Schools (P.E.D.S.):
» Go to the P.E.D.S. web site.

Senate Bill 19 (SB 19), enacted in 2001 by the 77th Texas Legislature and amended by the 78th Texas Legislature, requires each school district, by September 1, 2007, to participate in training for the implementation of an approved coordinated school health program designed to prevent obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes in elementary school students.

View Resources for Coordinated School Health Programs (Link to Texas Education Agency)

The mission of the School Health Program at Texas Department of Health is to provide leadership and support to communities in their efforts to meet the health services and health education needs of their children in a school setting. The Program’s Texas Guide to School Health Programs provides guidance and resources for school administrators, school nurses, teachers, and other staff members in the development, implementation, and evaluation of school health programs. Legislative updates include information on Senate Bill 19, which requires school districts to offer daily physical activity opportunities that help prevent obesity and diseases such as diabetes.

Pediatric overweight is increasingly common. In response to inquiries, the Texas Department of State Health Services offers this resource information for primary care clinicians.

Click here to view (PDF, 52 kb)

Last Updated June 4, 2008