Medical Needs at School: Feeding, schools, nursing

Yes, the school MUST provide G-tube feedings. First, the varying states have regulations on WHO performs these procedures but the school is responsible, during school hours IF the child is determined to have special education needs and IF the child requires specialized health care services DURING the day. Tube feeding, suctioning, colostomy care, ventilator management, catheterization, medications, etc. are all being done in schools now

There is no national legislation or regulations regarding who performs health care procedures. It is based on each state's Nurse Practice Act and state rules and regulations. Here in NH, teaching assistants (with training) are allowed to G-tube the children but NY, for example, has more strict regulations regarding the WHO

The question raised is a real big one and goes far beyond G-tube feeding. There are many cases facing lower courtspartly because of increased inclusion, there is a nursing shortage, fear of liability if something goes wrong, lack of knowledge and training, a re-defining of the traditional role of the school nurse, etc

Regarding paying the "feeder," be it an RN, LPN, CNA or other trained person, it usually is the responsibility of the "sending" school district unless there are specific contractual arrangements with the facility receiving the student. The school district may be able to collect Medicaid reimbursement for part of the cost if it is a nurse

MM/ TK 7-13-10