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Nurse
Immunization Information
In order to attend school, a child must be up to date on all of the required vaccinations, barring certain circumstances. For more information, go to:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) in Austin issued a statement on August 19, 2024:
The Nursing Practice Act (NPA) establishes clear boundaries for nursing practice, explicitly stating that it does not
encompass medical diagnosis or the prescription of therapeutic or corrective measures.
Consequently, administering over-the-counter (OTC) medication without a valid order falls outside the
scope of vocational and professional nursing practice. This regulation is consistent across all
practice settings, including educational environments. The NPA is silent on the universal and
standard use of safe over-the-counter medications when the parent or guardian appropriately
authorizes the treatment option to be administered by a school nurse...
The BON acknowledges that while some districts have standing delegation orders, others require the
parent to secure orders from the student’s provider for all medications, including over-the-counter
options. Orders for medication can be specific to an individual patient or generalized through
standing delegation orders for particular patient populations under certain conditions. In instances
where standing delegation orders are utilized, nurses must assess whether such orders apply to a
given patient’s situation. The Board recognizes that requiring a parent to provide an order from a
student’s provider for seemingly innocuous over-the-counter medications can be burdensome.
All OTC medications must come labeled with the student's name and be accompanied by a doctor's order in order to be given. A medication authorization form (found in the packets passed out at the beginning of the school year) must also be filled out and returned to the school before any medication can be given.
Emergency Medications
For emergency situations, the school keeps (2) emergency EpiPens for children with severe allergies and is in the process of securing an emergency inhaler. If your child has a medical condition and needs medication, please send it to the school either in the original container with the label attached or with a copy of the doctor's order. Other forms may need to be filled out as well. For more information, read the school's policy or visit the DSHS website. If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse by her email or phone number at the top of the page.
In Texas public schools, SHAC stands for a School Health Advisory Council. It’s a state-required committee that every school district must have under Texas law.
📌 What SHAC Is
A School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is a group of parents, community members, and school representativesappointed by the school board to advise the district on health-related policies, instruction, and programs that affect students. The majority of its members must be parents of students who are not employed by the district.
Why Texas Schools Are Required to Have SHAC
Texas law—specifically Texas Education Code §28.004—requires every school district to establish a SHAC. The council’s main role is to ensure that local community values are reflected in the district’s health education instruction and related policies.
Charter schools and Districts of Innovation (DOIs) also have SHAC requirements (with some specific rules about exemptions), but in general public school districts must have one.
What SHAC Does
SHAC provides recommendations and guidance to the district on things such as:
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Health education hours and what’s taught in health classes (K–8 and high school)
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Curriculum on topics like physical health, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and human sexuality (in accordance with state standards)
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Nutrition, fitness, and physical activity programs
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School health services and environments that support student wellness
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Strategies to increase parental awareness of risky behaviors and available community health services
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Coordination between the district and community health partners
Meeting and Transparency Requirements
SHACs must meet at least four times each school year, post public notices of meetings, keep minutes and recordings, and submit reports to the school board.
🎯 Why It Matters
The SHAC gives parents and community members a structured way to influence health education and wellness policies in schools and to help ensure health programs support both student health and learning.
