Overview
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) recognizes the crucial link between student health and academic success. To attend school safely and thrive in the learning environment, students require access to comprehensive health services. Through collaboration with families, school staff, and community providers, Utah schools help ensure a healthy and supportive learning environment for every student.
Resources
Resources are available for school professionals and families seeking to cultivate a school culture and community that prioritizes student health and well-being.
School Nursing and Wellness
Utah State Board of Education
School Nursing
Utah Department of Health and Human Services (UDHHS)
Utah State Board of Education Model Health and Wellness Policy
Utah State Board of Education Child Nutrition Program (CNP)
Period Products in Schools
In 2022, the Utah State Legislature enacted Utah Code Section 53G-4-413, mandating the provision of free period products in schools. This legislation requires local school boards and charter school governing boards to provide these essential supplies in all female and unisex restrooms utilized by students, effective July 1, 2022. Further clarifying this requirement, Board Rule R277-931 stipulates that period products must be provided in school restrooms serving students in grades 1-12.
For more information, contact Kendra Muir (kendra.muir@schools.utah.gov).
Responding to Student Head Injuries
Utah law prioritizes the safety of students experiencing head injuries in school settings. Utah Code Section 26B-4-405 empowers school nurses to assess students suspected of sustaining concussions or head injuries, regardless of specialized training. Furthermore, it mandates that school nurses receive training in concussion evaluation and management as funding allows. Complementing this, Board Rule R277-614 outlines comprehensive guidelines for managing student head injuries, including:
- Removal from Activity: Students suspected a head injury must be removed from any sporting event or physical activity, including recess and physical education classes.
- Parental Notification: Parents or guardians must be promptly notified if a student experiences a head injury during school hours or school-sanctioned activities.
- Return to Activity: Students may only return to activity after being evaluated and cleared by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Policy Dissemination: LEAs must establish and publicize a traumatic head injury policy, ensuring it is readily accessible to parents and the public.
These regulations underscore Utah's commitment to protecting student health and safety by promoting prompt identification, appropriate management, and safe return-to-learn protocols for head injuries. Please see the model forms and resources in this section for student head injuries.
Concussion: Signs and Symptoms Checklist
Conmoción Cerebral: Lista de Verificación de Indicios y Síntomas (Spanish)
Head Injury Flowchart for Utah Schools (Including a Head 'Bump')
Parent Notification of Head Injury During School Hours
Notificación para Padres Sobre Lesiones en la Cabeza Durante Horas Escolares (Spanish)
Student Head Injury Response Throughout the School Day
YouTube
Legislation
R277-614: Athletes and Students with Head Injuries
USBE Administrative Rules
Utah Code Section 26B-4-401: Definitions
Utah Code Section 26B-4-403: Adoption and enforcement of concussion and head injury
policy - Notice of policy to parent or guardian
Utah Code Section 26B-4-404: Removal of child suspected of sustaining concussion or
a traumatic head injury - Medical clearance required before return to participation
Utah Code Section 26B-4-405: School nurses evaluating student injuries
Utah State Legislature
School Seizure Awareness Training
Utah law requires schools to provide seizure awareness training to staff every three years. This training, guided by USBE and aligned with national standards, ensures school personnel can recognize seizure symptoms and provide appropriate first aid, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for students with epilepsy and seizure disorders. The USBE approved trainings are listed in this section.
On-Demand Seizure First Aid Training for School Personnel
Epilepsy Alliance America
Seizure First Aid Ready (On Demand)
Epilepsy Foundation
Seizure Training for School Personnel (On Demand) - v2.0
Epilepsy Foundation
Vector Training Solutions - Refer to your LEA's website link for more information.
Legislation
House Bill (H.B.) 241: School Epilepsy Training Amendments (2022)
Utah State Legislature
Utah Code Section 53G-9-213: Seizure Awareness
Utah State Legislature