CHAPTER 14
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES
DIVISION I
IN GENERAL
281—14.1(256) Medication administration. Each school district, area education agency, and school shall establish medication administration policy and procedures, which include the following:
	14.1(1) A statement on administration of prescription and nonprescription medication.
	14.1(2) A statement on an individual health plan pursuant to rule 281—14.2(256) when administration requires ongoing professional health judgment.
	14.1(3) A statement that authorized persons administering medication include licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school, such as licensed registered nurses, physicians, physician assistants, and persons to whom authorized practitioners have delegated the administration of prescription and nonprescription drugs (who have successfully completed a medication administration course). Individuals who have demonstrated competency in administering their own medications may self-administer their medication. Individuals may self-administer asthma or other airway constricting disease medication, use a bronchodilator canister or bronchodilator canister and spacer, or possess and have use of an epinephrine auto-injector with parent and physician (or physician assistant) consent on file for each school year, without the necessity of demonstrating competency to self-administer these medications. If a student misuses this privilege, it may be withdrawn. For purposes of this chapter, “self-administration” and “medication” mean the same as defined in Iowa Code section 280.16(1).
	14.1(4) A provision for a medication administration course provided by the department that is completed every five years with an annual medication administration procedural skills check completed with licensed health personnel. Licensed health personnel working under the auspices of the school who delegate medication administration within their scope of practice will conduct the course. A record of course completion will be maintained by the school.
	14.1(5) A provision that the individual’s parent provide a signed and dated written statement requesting medication administration at school.
	14.1(6) A statement that medication will be in the original labeled container either as dispensed or in the manufacturer’s container.
	14.1(7) A provision that a written medication administration record is to be on file at the school and include:
	a. 	Date.
	b. 	Individual’s name.
	c. 	Prescriber or person authorizing administration.
	d. 	Medication name and purpose, including the use of a bronchodilator canister or a bronchodilator canister and spacer or the use of an epinephrine auto-injector.
	e. 	Medication dosage.
	f. 	Administration time.
	g. 	Administration method.
	h. 	Signature and title of the person administering medication.
	i. 	Any unusual circumstances, actions or omissions.
	14.1(8) A statement that medication shall be stored in a secured area unless an alternate provision is documented.
	14.1(9) A provision for a written statement by the individual’s parent or guardian requesting the individual’s co-administration of medication, when competency is demonstrated.
	14.1(10) A provision for emergency protocols for medication-related reactions.
	14.1(11) A statement regarding confidentiality of information.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.2(256) Special health services. Some individuals need special health services to participate in an educational program. These individuals will receive special health services along with their educational program.
	14.2(1) Definitions. The following definitions are used in this rule, unless the context otherwise demands:
“Assignment and delegation.” “Assignment” means the routine health care, activities and health procedures that are within the licensed health personnel’s authorized scope of practice as defined by state law. “Delegation” means the process within the licensed health personnel’s scope of practice in transferring a task, skill, or procedure of the licensed health personnel to qualified designated personnel. Primary consideration is given to the recommendation of the licensed health personnel and health instruction competence of the delegate is documented to perform a specific activity, skill, or procedure that is beyond the qualified personnel’s traditional role and not routinely performed.
“Co-administration” means the eligible individual’s participation in the planning, management and implementation of the individual’s special health service and demonstration of proficiency to licensed health personnel.
“Educational program” includes all school curricular programs and activities both on and off school grounds.
“Education team” may include the individual, the individual’s parent, administrator, teacher, licensed health personnel, and others involved in the individual’s educational program. The education team may be the team under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, both effective as of February 7, 2024, if the child is eligible under either of those statutes.
“Health assessment” means the systematic collection of data collected by the licensed health personnel to determine the student’s health status and initial plan of care, to identify any actual or potential health problems, or upon any significant change in the student’s status relating to the individual’s education program.
“Health instruction” means education by licensed health personnel to prepare qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform special health services contained in the eligible individual’s health plan. Documentation of education and periodic updates will be on file at school.
“Individual health plan” means the documented plan of care utilizing the nursing process as defined in 655—Chapter 6 for evidence-based management of the student’s ongoing special health service in the educational program. The school nurse may develop this plan in collaboration with the education team. The plan also includes a provision for emergencies to provide direction in managing an individual’s health condition (stable or unstable). Documentation of evaluation and updates to the plan are completed as needed and at least annually.
“Licensed health personnel” means a licensed registered nurse, licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, or other licensed health personnel legally authorized to delegate or provide special health services and medications under the auspices of the school.
“Prescriber” means licensed health personnel legally authorized to prescribe special health services and medications.
“Qualified designated personnel” means individuals who perform delegated tasks, activities and procedures beyond their traditional role who are instructed, supervised, and competent in implementing the eligible individual’s health plan or delegation of special health services.
“Special health services” includes services for eligible individuals whose health status (stable or unstable) necessitates:
	1.	Interpretation or intervention,
	2.	Administration of health procedures and health care, or
	3.	Use of a health device to compensate for the reduction or loss of a body function.
“Supervision” means the assessment, delegation, monitoring, and frequency of evaluation and documentation of special health services by licensed health personnel. Levels of supervision include situations in which:
	1.	Licensed health personnel are physically present.
	2.	Licensed health personnel are available at the same site.
	3.	Licensed health personnel are available on call.
	14.2(2) Special health services policy. Each board of a public school or the authorities in charge of an accredited nonpublic school shall, in consultation with licensed health personnel, establish policy and guidelines for the provision of confidential special health services in conformity with this chapter. Such policy and guidelines will address the following:
	a. 	Licensed health personnel provide special health services under the auspices of the school. Duties of the licensed health personnel include:
	(1)	Participating as a member of the education team.
	(2)	Providing the health assessment.
	(3)	Planning, implementing and evaluating the written individual health plan.
	(4)	Planning, implementing and evaluating special emergency health services.
	(5)	Serving as a liaison and encouraging participation and communication with health service agencies and individuals providing health care.
	(6)	Providing health consultation, counseling and instruction with the eligible individual, the individual’s parent and the staff in cooperation and conjunction with the prescriber.
	(7)	Maintaining a record of special health services. The documentation includes the eligible individual’s name, special health service, prescriber or person authorizing, date and time, signature and title of the person providing the special health service and any unusual circumstances in the provision of such services.
	(8)	Reporting unusual circumstances to the parent, school administration, and prescriber.
	(9)	Assigning and delegating to, instructing, providing technical assistance to and supervising qualified designated personnel.
	(10)	Updating knowledge and skills to meet special health service needs.
	b. 	Prior to the provision of ongoing special health services, the following are to be on file:
	(1)	A written statement by the prescriber detailing the specific method and schedule of the special health service, when indicated.
	(2)	A written statement by the individual’s parent requesting the provision of the ongoing special health service.
	(3)	A written individual health plan available in the health record and integrated into the IEP or 504 plan, if applicable, for ongoing health services and documentation of the education team meeting.
	c. 	Licensed health personnel delegating health services, in collaboration with the education team, determine the special health services to be provided designated qualified personnel. The documented rationale will include the following:
	(1)	Analysis and interpretation of the special health service needs, health status stability, complexity of the service, predictability of the service outcome and risk of improperly performed service.
	(2)	Determination that the special health service, task, procedure or function is part of the person’s job description.
	(3)	Determination of the assignment and delegation based on the scope of the licensed personnel’s practice, the student’s needs and the qualifications of school personnel performing health services.
	(4)	Review of the designated person’s competency.
	(5)	Determination of initial and ongoing level of supervision, monitoring and evaluation required for safe, quality services.
	d. 	Licensed health personnel supervise the delegated special health services, define the level of frequency of supervision and document the supervision.
	e. 	Licensed health personnel instruct qualified designated personnel to deliver and perform delegated special health services. Documentation of instruction, written consent of personnel pursuant to Iowa Code section 280.23 and evaluations are to be on file at the school.
	f. 	Parents provide the usual equipment, supplies, and necessary maintenance of the equipment, unless the school is required to provide the equipment, supplies, and maintenance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, effective February 7, 2024, and 281—Chapter 41 or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, effective February 7, 2024. The equipment will be stored in a secure area. The individual health plan is to designate the responsibilities roles of the school, parents and others in the provision, supply, storage and maintenance of necessary equipment.
	14.2(3) Relationship between this rule and other laws and rules. In complying with this rule, for children who are eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, effective February 7, 2024, and 281—Chapter 41 or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, effective February 7, 2024, the school health services is to comply with any additional or differing provisions of those laws based on a specific child’s needs.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.3(256) School district and accredited nonpublic school stock epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister, or bronchodilator canister and spacer voluntary supply.
	14.3(1) Definitions. For the purpose of this rule, the following definitions apply:
“Act” means 2015 Iowa Acts, Senate File 462, which amended Iowa Code section 280.16 and created Iowa Code section 280.16A.
“Bronchodilator” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 280.16(1)“a.”
“Bronchodilator canister” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 280.16(1)“b.”
“Department” means the department of education.
“Epinephrine auto-injector” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 280.16(1)“c.”
“Licensed health care professional” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 280.16(1)“d.”
“Medication administration course” means a course approved or provided by the department that includes safe storage of medication, handling of medication, general principles, procedural aspects, skills demonstration and documentation requirements of safe medication administration in schools.
“Medication error” means the failure to administer an epinephrine auto-injector to a student or individual by proper route, failure to administer the correct dosage, or failure to administer an epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator, or bronchodilator canister and spacer according to generally accepted standards of practice.
“Medication incident” means accidental injection of an epinephrine auto-injector into a digit of the authorized personnel administering the medication.
“Personnel authorized to administer epinephrine or a bronchodilator” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 280.16A(1)“e.”
“School building” means each attendance center within a school district or accredited nonpublic school where students or other individuals are present.
“School nurse” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 280.16A(1)“f.”
“Spacer” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 280.16A(1)“g.”
	14.3(2) Applicability. This rule applies to and permits:
	a. 	A licensed health care professional to prescribe a stock epinephrine auto-injector, a bronchodilator canister, or a bronchodilator canister and spacer in the name of a school district or accredited nonpublic school for use in accordance with the Act and this rule;
	b. 	A pharmacist to dispense a stock supply pursuant to paragraph 14.3(2)“a”; and
	c. 	A school district or accredited nonpublic school to acquire and maintain a stock supply pursuant to paragraphs 14.3(2)“a” and 14.3(2)“b.”
	14.3(3) Prescription for stock epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters, and bronchodilator canisters and spacers. A school district or accredited nonpublic school may obtain a prescription for epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters, and bronchodilator canisters and spacers from a licensed health care professional annually in the name of the school district or accredited nonpublic school for administration to a student or individual who may be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction or may need treatment for respiratory distress, asthma, or other airway constricting disease. The school district or accredited nonpublic school is to maintain the supply of such auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters, and bronchodilator canisters and spacers according to manufacturer instructions. If a school district or accredited nonpublic school obtains a prescription pursuant to the Act and these rules for epinephrine auto-injectors, the school district or accredited nonpublic school will stock a minimum of one pediatric dose and one adult dose for each school building. A school district or accredited nonpublic school may obtain a prescription for more than the minimum and may maintain a supply in other buildings.
	14.3(4) Authorized personnel and stock epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister, or bronchodilator canister and spacer administration. A school nurse or personnel trained and authorized may provide or administer an epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister, or bronchodilator canister and spacer from a school supply to a student or individual in circumstances authorized by Iowa Code section 280.16.
	a. 	Pursuant to Iowa Code section 280.23, authorized personnel will submit a signed statement to the school nurse stating that the authorized personnel agree to perform the service of administering a stock epinephrine auto-injector to a student or individual who may be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction or administering a bronchodilator canister or a bronchodilator canister and spacer to a student or individual experiencing respiratory distress, asthma, or other airway constricting disease.
	b. 	Emergency medical services (911) will be contacted immediately after a stock epinephrine auto-injector is administered to a student or individual, and the school nurse or authorized personnel will remain with the student or individual until emergency medical services arrive. In the event of administration of a stock bronchodilator or bronchodilator canister and spacer to a student or individual, the school nurse will be contacted and will determine, based on professional judgment, the necessary care of a student or individual.
	c. 	The administration of an epinephrine auto-injector, a bronchodilator, or a bronchodilator canister and spacer in accordance with this rule is not the practice of medicine.
	14.3(5) Stock epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator, or bronchodilator canister and spacer training. School employees may obtain a signed certificate to become authorized personnel.
	a. 	Training to obtain a signed certificate may be accomplished by:
	(1)	Successfully completing, every five years, the medication administration course provided by the department;
	(2)	Annually demonstrating to the school nurse a procedural return-skills check on medication administration;
	(3)	Annually completing an anaphylaxis, asthma, or airway constricting disease training program approved by the department;
	(4)	Demonstrating to the school nurse a procedural return-skills check on the use of an epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister, and bronchodilator canister and spacer using information from the training, using authorized prescriber instructions, and as directed by the prescription manufacturing label; and
	(5)	Providing to the school nurse a signed statement, pursuant to Iowa Code section 280.23, that the person agrees to perform one or more of the services described in this rule.
	b. 	Training required after a medication error or medication incident. Authorized personnel or the school nurse directly involved with a medication error or medication incident involving the administration of stock epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilators, or bronchodilator canisters and spacers are required to follow the medication error or medication incident protocol adopted by the board of directors of the school district or authorities in charge of the school district or accredited nonpublic school. To retain authorization to administer stock epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilators, or bronchodilator canisters and spacers in the school setting, authorized personnel directly involved with a medication error or medication incident will be required to provide a procedural skills demonstration to the school nurse demonstrating competency in the administration of stock epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilators, or bronchodilator canisters and spacers.
	14.3(6) Procurement and maintenance of stock epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator, or bronchodilator canister and spacer supplies. A school district or accredited nonpublic school may obtain a prescription to stock, possess, and maintain epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilators, or bronchodilator canisters and spacers.
	a. 	Stock epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters, and bronchodilator canisters and spacers will be stored in a secure, easily accessible area for an emergency within the school building, or in addition to other locations as determined by the school district or accredited nonpublic school, and in accordance with the manufacturing label of the stock epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister, or bronchodilator canister and spacer.
	b. 	A school district or school will designate an employee to routinely check stock epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters, and bronchodilator canisters and spacers and document the following in a log monthly throughout the calendar year:
	(1)	The expiration date;
	(2)	Any visualized particles or color change, for epinephrine auto-injectors; or
	(3)	Bronchodilator canister damage.
	c. 	The school district or school will develop a protocol to replace as soon as reasonably possible any logged epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister, or bronchodilator canister and spacer that is used, is damaged, is close to expiration, or is discolored or has particles visible in the epinephrine auto-injector liquid.
	14.3(7) Disposal of used stock epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilators, or bronchodilator canisters and spacers. The school district or school that administers epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilators, or bronchodilator canisters and spacers shall dispose of used cartridge injectors as infectious waste pursuant to the department’s medication waste guidance and bronchodilators or bronchodilator canisters and spacers pursuant to the department’s medication waste guidance. For purposes of this rule, a multiuse bronchodilator canister is considered “used” when it no longer contains sufficient active ingredient to be medically useful.
	14.3(8) Reporting. A school district or school that obtains a prescription for stock medications under this rule will report to the department within 48 hours, using the reporting format approved by the department, each medication incident or error with the administration of a stock epinephrine injector, bronchodilator canister, or bronchodilator canister and spacer or administration of a stock epinephrine auto-injector.
	14.3(9) School district or accredited nonpublic school policy. A school district or school may stock epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters, or bronchodilator canisters and spacers. The board of directors in charge of the school district or authorities in charge of the accredited nonpublic school that stocks epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters, or bronchodilator canisters and spacers shall establish a policy and procedure for the administration of a stock epinephrine auto-injector, bronchodilator canister, or bronchodilator canister and spacer, which is to comply with the minimum provisions of this rule.
	14.3(10) Rule of construction. This rule will not be construed to require school districts or accredited nonpublic schools to maintain a stock of epinephrine auto-injectors, bronchodilator canisters, or bronchodilator canisters and spacers. An election not to maintain such a stock is not to be considered to be negligence.
	14.3(11) Opioid antagonists. A school district may obtain a valid prescription for an opioid antagonist and maintain a supply of opioid antagonists in a secure location at each location where a student may be present for use as provided in this rule. Any school district that does so is to comply with rules and procedures adopted by the department of health and human services.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.4(279) Suicide prevention, identification of adverse childhood experiences, and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response. Iowa Code section 279.70 is incorporated by this reference.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.5(256,280) Severability. If any provisions of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance are held invalid, such invalidity does not affect the provisions or application of this chapter that can be given effect, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
This division is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 135.185, 256.7(33), 279.70 and 280.16.
DIVISION II
COMPREHENSIVE HEALTHY AND SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
281—14.6(279) Purpose and objectives: comprehensive healthy and safe learning environments. The purpose of this division is to provide uniform definitions and rules for public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and area education agencies (AEAs) regarding standards for professional development and training in evidence-based classroom management practices, evidence-based interventions, appropriate and inappropriate responses to behavior in the classroom that present an imminent threat of bodily injury to a student or another person, and in accordance with 281—Chapter 103 for the reasonable, necessary, and appropriate physical restraint of a student. This division gives clear guidance that classroom clearance may be used only to terminate or prevent a threat of bodily injury and clarifies the required parental notification, response, and reporting of school behavior challenges.
This division also provides clarification of Iowa AEAs’, public school districts’, and accredited nonpublic school districts’ responsibilities and the responsibilities of behavioral health service providers under Iowa Code section 280A.1, should they choose to enter into agreements for behavioral health screenings or telehealth services.
This division is intended to promote a comprehensive safe learning space for learners and school staff, and to promote the dignity, care, safety, welfare, and security of each child and the school community; encourage the use of proactive, effective, and evidence- and research-based strategies resulting in increased learning for all students; lessen disruption to instruction; and expand supports for educators through teacher preparation, revised protocols, training and professional learning.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.7(279) Definitions. For the purposes of this division:
“Assault” means the same as defined in Iowa Code section 708.1.
“Bodily injury” or “injury” means physical pain, illness, or any other impairment of physical condition. For purposes of required reporting, the injury is to be the result of intentional act and not accidental and a physical injury to a person’s body that is apparent within 24 hours after the incident and may include damage to any bodily tissue to the extent that the tissue must undergo a healing process in order to be restored to a sound and healthy condition. Mental or verbal insult is not covered by this definition.
“Classroom clear” means clearing all other students out of the classroom to calm a child or to address disruption by a child. It is not necessary to use the phrase “classroom clear” to be covered by this division. The mere use of the term “classroom clear” does not bring that activity within the coverage of this division. Using another term for a “classroom clear” does not remove that activity from the coverage of this division. A classroom clear is not either of the following:
	1.	Removing other students from a classroom to preserve a student’s dignity/privacy in the event of a medical emergency, health issue, or both, or
	2.	Emergency procedures a school/district may use in the event of a school crisis or natural disaster.
“Classroom management” means the set of skills, practices, and strategies teachers use to maintain productive and prosocial behaviors that enable effective instruction in whole class or small group settings.
“Department” means the Iowa department of education.
“Evidence-based” means an activity, strategy or intervention that demonstrates a significant effect on improving student outcomes or other relevant outcomes. Activities, strategies, or interventions with strong or moderate evidence should be prioritized.
“Parent” means an individual included in the definition of “parent” in rule 281—41.30(256B,34CFR300) and also includes an individual authorized to make decisions for the child pursuant to a power of attorney for temporary delegation of custody or for making educational decisions.
“Physical restraint” means the same as defined in rule 281—103.2(256B,280).
“Property damage” means serious damage to property of significant monetary value or significant nonmonetary value or importance because of violence. For purposes of required reporting, the property damage must be the result of intentional act and not accidental. In assessing significant nonmonetary value for purposes of this definition, the following will be considered: the property is not of significant monetary value but difficult to replace or its loss or damage impedes learning, or an object(s) used as a weapon resulting in damage to the object or property.
“Reasonable and necessary force” means that force, and no more, which a reasonable person would judge to be necessary under the circumstances that existed at the time, that is not intended to cause pain, and that does not exceed the degree or duration needed to accomplish the purposes set forth in rule 281—103.5(256B,280).
“School district” means an Iowa public school district directly supported in whole or in part by tax dollars, as defined in Iowa Code section 280.2, and with the power and jurisdiction provided by Iowa Code section 274.1.
“Social-emotional-behavioral health” or “SEBH” means social, emotional, behavioral and mental well-being that affects how one thinks, feels, communicates, acts, and learns. These contribute to resilience and to how one relates to others, responds to stress and emotions, and makes choices. Foundational knowledge and skills that promote SEBH include self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills that support positive well-being and academic success.
“Therapeutic classroom” means a classroom designed for the purpose of providing support for any student whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with the student’s ability to be successful in the current educational environment, with or without supports, until the student is able to successfully return to the student’s current education environment, with or without supports, including but not limited to the general education classroom. It is not necessary to use the phrase “therapeutic classroom” to be covered by this division. The mere use of the term “therapeutic classroom” does not bring those services or locations within the coverage of this division. Using another term for a “therapeutic classroom” does not remove that service or location from the coverage of this division.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.8(279) Classroom clears.
	14.8(1) A classroom teacher may clear students from the classroom only if necessary to prevent or terminate an imminent threat of bodily injury to a student or another person in the classroom. A threat is imminent when it is reasonably likely to inflict pain, illness, or any other impairment of physical condition.
	14.8(2) A classroom clear means clearing all other students out of the classroom to calm a child. A classroom clear in which an adult remains with a student to calm the student is not considered seclusion.
	14.8(3) The limitations on use of classroom clears pertains to all classrooms, general and special education, ages 3 through 21, when a child is served in a setting that is using public funds for educational purposes.
	14.8(4) If a classroom clear is included within a school’s or district’s crisis response plan, the school or district will also follow the additional provisions of Iowa Code section 279.51A and this division.
	14.8(5) In determining if a classroom clear may be used to prevent or terminate an imminent threat, the following factors apply:
	a. 	The size and physical, mental, and psychological condition of the student;
	b. 	The nature of the student’s behavior;
	c. 	The presence of a weapon or material that can be weaponized;
	d. 	The extent and nature of resulting bodily injury to the student and other persons in the classroom; and
	e. 	The prevention of physical intervention that will likely escalate behavior and result in bodily injury.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.9(279) Required parent/guardian notifications and responses.
	14.9(1) General. If a classroom clear is used to prevent an imminent threat, the following notifications and actions shall occur:
	a. 	The school principal will, by the end of the school day if possible, but at least within 24 hours after the incident, notify the parents/guardians of all students assigned to the classroom that it was cleared.
	b. 	The notification will not identify, directly or indirectly, any students involved in the incident giving rise to the classroom clearance.
	c. 	The principal will request that the parent/guardian of the student whose behavior caused the classroom clear meet with the principal, the classroom teacher, and other staff as appropriate.
	14.9(2) Students with disabilities. When a student with a disability whose behavior caused a classroom clear and has an individualized education program (IEP) or a behavioral intervention plan (BIP), the classroom teacher will call for and be included in a review and potential revision of the student’s IEP or BIP by the student’s IEP team. The AEA, in collaboration with the school district, may, when the parent or guardian meets with the IEP team during the review or reevaluation of the student’s IEP, inform the parent or guardian of individual or family counseling services available in the area. The public agencies are to provide those services if those services are necessary for a free appropriate public education, pursuant to 281—subrule 41.320(7).
	14.9(3) Students without disabilities.
	a. 	If a student does not have an IEP or a BIP, the meeting will include an intervention plan that reduces the likelihood of the recurrence of behaviors requiring a classroom clear.
	b. 	If a student has a BIP but does not have an IEP, the classroom teacher will call for and be included in a review and potential revision of the student’s behavioral intervention plan.
	c. 	If the school suspects the student whose behavior resulted in a classroom clear might be eligible for a BIP, individual health plan (IHP), safety plan, or IEP, the public agencies shall promptly determine the child’s eligibility in accordance with the procedures required for determining eligibility.
	14.9(4) Parent input. The team is to consider parent input in identifying supports to address behaviors that caused the classroom clear.
	a. 	If the parent of a student with an IEP chooses not to participate in the meeting, the school will follow procedures to document efforts to invite the parent, as required by rule 281—41.322(256B,34CFR300), and inform the parent of proposed changes to the IEP or BIP, or both, pursuant to rule 281—41.503(256B,34CFR300).
	b. 	If the parent of a student without an IEP chooses not to participate in the meeting, the school will continue to support the student’s needs by planning and providing intervention for the student.
	14.9(5) Additional provisions. When calling for a meeting, the classroom teacher may be required to follow procedures established by the school district or AEA to request such a meeting. Any recommended change to a student’s behavior intervention plan, individual health plan, safety plan, or educational placement is to be made in accordance with the procedures required for amending said plan or changing said placement.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.10(279) Documentation and reporting.
	14.10(1) General. A classroom teacher shall report to the principal any incident of assault or violence that results in injury or property damage by a student enrolled in the school. For purposes of this rule, “attending students” includes all students who are actively attending school, suspended or expelled during the reporting school year. Districts should document all incidents that occur in a school building, on school grounds, or at a school-sponsored function by students attending school in the district. The school district shall report to the department, in a manner prescribed by the department, an annual count of disaggregated incidents of assault, violence resulting in injury, violence resulting in property damage, and referral/transfer to a therapeutic classroom that includes the therapeutic components as described in subrule 14.13(2). Incidents shall be reported if they occurred by a student in a school building, on school grounds, or at a school-sponsored function.
	14.10(2) Contents of report. The report will include demographic information on students reported as victims and perpetrators, disaggregated by race, gender, national origin, age, grade level, and disability status, along with any other data needed by the department to implement the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, Public Law 114-95, as effective on February 7, 2024, and with safeguards to ensure student privacy.
	14.10(3) Reporting by the department. The department of education will compile and summarize the data it receives under this rule and submit a report to the general assembly each year by November 1.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.11(256) Crisis response.
	14.11(1) General. The following consists of appropriate responses to classroom behavior that presents an imminent threat of bodily injury and consistent with rules for seclusion and restraint:
	a. 	Responses are to include nationally recognized best practices of crisis response/intervention to de-escalate behaviors that are likely to result in bodily harm.
	b. 	Crisis response strategies are to include a safety assessment and continuum of strategies informed by the level of risk and the safety assessment.
	c. 	When possible, response strategies are to use less disruptive, nonphysical intervention prior to the use of physical interventions, unless the circumstances are such that physical intervention is necessary to ensure the safety of the student and others.
	14.11(2) Use of reasonable force. Notwithstanding the ban on corporal punishment in rule 281—103.3(256B,280), no employee subject to these rules is prohibited from using reasonable and necessary force in compliance with this chapter and 281—Chapter 103. An employee is not privileged to use unreasonable force to accomplish any of the purposes listed in this chapter and 281—Chapter 103. If physical force is used, school employees shall comply with any provisions of 281—Chapter 103 and this chapter.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.12(256) Prevention of classroom behaviors that present an imminent threat.
	14.12(1) Appropriate responses to behaviors, including classroom behavior that presents an imminent threat of bodily injury, are to be part of evidence-based tiered supports within the department’s continuous improvement framework to support student SEBH.
	14.12(2) The evidence-based tiered supports will:
	a. 	Include universal support for all students that foster the emotional well-being of students through schoolwide safe and supportive environments.
	b. 	Be culturally responsive.
	c. 	Be trauma responsive.
	d. 	Include positive school discipline practices.
	e. 	Include crisis prevention, intervention and de-escalation that is based on student SEBH needs and reasonable in response to the behavior that is being exhibited.
	f. 	Include proactive strategies that enable schools to identify and intervene early in order to minimize the escalation of identified behavioral health symptoms and other barriers to school success.
	g. 	Include classroom management practices that include the following evidence-based practices:
	(1)	An effectively designed physical classroom.
	(2)	Predictable classroom routines.
	(3)	Posted positive classroom expectations.
	(4)	Prompts and active supervision.
	(5)	Varied opportunities to respond.
	(6)	Acknowledgments for expected behavior.
	h. 	Engage parents and guardians as partners in identifying appropriate supports for the students.
	i. 	Support student development of social-emotional competencies and skills through planned universal instruction.
	j. 	Have a set of specific supplemental interventions and intensive intervention supports that:
	(1)	Are for students whose behaviors are unresponsive to low-intensity strategies.
	(2)	Are based on functional behavior assessment (FBA).
	(3)	Are supported by individuals trained to handle such issues.
	(4)	Involve parents in development and ongoing review.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.13(256) Therapeutic classroom. A school district may include therapeutic classrooms as part of its district’s or building’s tiers of SEBH supports. A therapeutic classroom is designed for the purpose of providing support for any student, with or without an IEP, whose emotional, social, or behavioral needs interfere with the student’s ability to be successful in the current educational environment, with or without supports, until the student is able to successfully return to the student’s current education environment, with or without supports, including but not limited to the general education classroom. A placement in a therapeutic classroom shall not be permanent or indefinite but will be reviewed periodically as called for in this rule. For the purpose of this chapter, the word “classroom” is a descriptor of an educational set of services that create the educational environment that may include a separate physical setting from other students.
	14.13(1) Continuum of programming. Therapeutic classrooms include the therapeutic programming students may need to support them across a range of educational settings or learning spaces, or both, and are not necessarily standalone or isolated classrooms. Therapeutic classroom supports are part of a district’s tiers of SEBH supports.
	14.13(2) Therapeutic classrooms. For state cost reimbursement and reporting purposes, a therapeutic classroom will:
	a. 	Include the following therapeutic components:
	(1)	A multidisciplinary team who collaborates regularly to support design, implementation and decision-making regarding therapeutic program supports including but not limited to an individual qualified to conduct diagnostic assessments and support SEBH programming for individuals with social-emotional concerns;
	(2)	Practices that enhance positive childhood experiences;
	(3)	Clearly articulated and taught behavioral expectations and routines;
	(4)	Regular assessment of social-emotional competencies with targeted individualized instruction, small group social-emotional instruction, or both;
	(5)	Individualized BIPs developed based on FBAs and trauma-informed practice;
	(6)	Regular engagement of family to review progress and make decisions for more or less restrictive programming;
	(7)	Supports for generalization and transition to less restrictive supports/settings since a therapeutic classroom is a temporary intervention. Supports include opportunities to practice social-emotional skills in natural contexts with similar age/grade peers.
	b. 	Be operated by and housed in the school district seeking reimbursement.
	c. 	Have appropriately licensed and certified teacher(s).
	d. 	Follow program standards for the age(s) served and the full extent of the district’s comprehensive education program, including:
	(1)	Preschool programs follow preschool program standards, as specified in 281—Chapter 16;
	(2)	Prekindergarten through twelfth grade programs follow 281—Chapter 12;
	(3)	Programs that serve students with IEPs also follow 281—Chapter 41.
	e. 	Not solely consist of any one of the following:
	(1)	Calming room/space;
	(2)	Single strategy or program without individualization;
	(3)	Space/location for disciplinary action;
	(4)	Seclusion room.
	14.13(3) General education students. When general education students are served through a therapeutic classroom, the following must occur:
	a. 	The therapeutic classroom has to have clear requirements for referral, admission, progress monitoring, and exit that focus on supporting learners to return to general services,
	b. 	Each general education student has an individualized BIP developed based on an FBA,
	c. 	When a student receives therapeutic services for 50 percent or more of the school day, a team of qualified professionals, the teacher, and the family will review the BIP every 60 days to consider the need for transition to more or less intensive programming,
	d. 	If, at any point, public agencies suspect a disability, the public agencies are to request consent for a full and individual evaluation for special education from the parent pursuant to 281—Chapter 41.
	14.13(4) Special education students. Districts operating therapeutic classrooms that serve learners with IEPs will follow 281—Chapter 41, including provisions for education in the least restrictive environment.
	14.13(5) Consortium agreements. A district may enter into a cost-sharing consortium agreement with one or more school districts or area education agencies to provide therapeutic classroom supports. Districts shall not enter into an agreement to purchase or hold seats in a therapeutic classroom. If a district seeks cost reimbursement for student(s) who attend a therapeutic classroom:
	a. 	The therapeutic classroom is to be housed within the district’s boundaries;
	b. 	The district seeking reimbursement is fiscally responsible for the therapeutic classroom;
	c. 	The district seeking reimbursement is responsible for operating the therapeutic classroom.
	14.13(6) Rule of construction. A school district is not required to operate a therapeutic classroom; however, a school district is required to ensure therapeutic services are available, whether in-district or otherwise, to students who need those services to access or benefit from an education.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.14(256) Therapeutic classroom—claims. A school district may submit claims to the department for the costs of providing therapeutic classroom services and transportation services in accordance with this rule and Iowa Code section 256.25A.
	14.14(1) Reimbursement of transportation services. If the general assembly appropriates moneys for purposes of transportation claims reimbursement in accordance with this subrule, the resident school district may submit a claim to the department for reimbursement for transportation services for a student who is transported to a therapeutic classroom operated by another school district or accredited nonpublic school and located more than 30 miles from the student’s designated school or accredited nonpublic school.
	a. 	Claims are allowable for students enrolled in the school district or in an accredited nonpublic school located in the district boundary and who do not have an assigned special education weighting.
	b. 	Such claims may be allowable when the school districts or school district and accredited nonpublic school have a shared agreement to provide the therapeutic classroom.
	c. 	Claims will be made to the department of education using an invoice supplied by the department and completed by the school district providing transportation during the school year.
	d. 	Claims include a listing of actual costs per student transported to a therapeutic classroom, including number of days transported, transportation miles, and other actual costs.
	14.14(2) Claims for reimbursement of services.
	a. 	By June 15, 2022, and annually by June 15 thereafter, districts may submit a claim for reimbursement of therapeutic classroom services for the prior school year.
	b. 	By July 1 of each year, the department will draw warrants payable to school districts for such claims.
	c. 	On June 15, 2022, and continuing each June 15 thereafter, districts providing therapeutic classrooms may submit a claim for reimbursement to the department for students served by their therapeutic classroom during the prior school year who have BIPs but no IEP weighting. Districts may submit claims for 1.5 weighting for the number of days they served the student and the number of days in the school district’s calendar.
	d. 	School districts will collect student-level data throughout the year and submit it at the end of the year using a department invoice.
	e. 	In order for the school district to submit a claim for reimbursement for students attending an accredited nonpublic school or receiving competent private instruction, the student will be counted as a shared-time student in the district in which the nonpublic school of attendance is located.
	f. 	Reimbursement will be prorated if claims exceed the amount appropriated.
	g. 	Claims must include: student served in a therapeutic classroom, confirmation the student has a BIP and does not have a weighted IEP for the period claimed, number of days served and the number of days in the school district’s calendar.
	h. 	The costs of providing transportation to nonpublic school pupils as provided in this rule will not be included in the computation of district cost under Iowa Code chapter 257 but will be shown in the budget as an expense from miscellaneous income. Any transportation reimbursements received by a school district for transporting nonpublic school pupils do not affect district cost limitations of Iowa Code chapter 257. The reimbursements provided in this rule are miscellaneous income as defined in Iowa Code section 257.2.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.15(256,279,280) Required training. This rule applies to public schools, nonpublic school districts and area education agencies.
	14.15(1) An employee must receive training that complies with 281—Chapter 103 prior to using any form of physical restraint or seclusion and includes research-based alternatives to physical restraint and seclusion.
	14.15(2) An employee must receive training regarding the least restrictive environment. While there is a presumption that the general education environment is the least restrictive environment, data may overcome that presumption. “General education classroom” is not synonymous with “least restrictive environment.” Training will include the process and procedures for:
	a. 	Making placement decisions based on individual student performance data and participation with peers without disabilities; and
	b. 	Reviewing student performance data to determine whether changes need to be made to ensure the individual is being educated in the learner’s least restrictive environment.
	14.15(3) AEA staff, classroom teachers and school administrators shall receive training prior to using a classroom clear to calm a student. Training shall be reviewed regularly, but no less frequently than once every three school years, and cover the following topics:
	a. 	The rules of this chapter;
	b. 	The school’s specific policies and procedures regarding the rules of this chapter;
	c. 	Training on recognizing and responding to incidents that are an imminent threat of bodily injury;
	d. 	Student, parent/guardian, and staff notifications and parent follow-up requirements;
	e. 	Reporting requirements for incidents of assault and violence resulting in injury or property damage;
	f. 	Reporting requirements for referral and transfer to therapeutic classroom(s);
	g. 	The school’s specific crisis response plan for incidents of imminent threat;
	h. 	Staff supports following a crisis or significant event.
	14.15(4) Within one year of beginning employment in a teaching position in Iowa, a classroom teacher shall receive training on the prevention of behaviors that present an imminent threat. Training must include the following topics:
	a. 	The school’s specific policies and procedures for creating learning environments that are safe and supportive.
	b. 	Evidence-based culturally responsive approaches to student discipline.
	c. 	Evidence-based classroom management strategies that include:
	(1)	An effectively designed physical classroom.
	(2)	Predictable classroom routines.
	(3)	Posted positive classroom expectations.
	(4)	Prompts and active supervision.
	(5)	Varied opportunities to respond.
	(6)	Acknowledgments for expected behavior.
	d. 	Universal instruction of social-emotional competencies.
	e. 	Engaging families as partners in identifying appropriate supports for learner success.
	f. 	Crisis prevention, crisis intervention, and crisis de-escalation techniques consistent with rule 281—14.4(279).
	14.15(5) AEA and school district staff who engage in intervention planning to support supplemental and intensive social-emotional interventions shall receive training on evidence-based interventions for challenging classroom behaviors. Training must include the following topics:
	a. 	FBAs;
	b. 	Using FBAs to design BIPs;
	c. 	Individual safety plans;
	d. 	Supports for student reentry to learning following a significant event;
	e. 	Supports for teacher implementation of BIPs;
	f. 	Crisis prevention, crisis intervention, and crisis de-escalation techniques consistent with rule 281—14.4(279) that are culturally responsive and trauma responsive;
	g. 	Duties and responsibilities of school resource officers and other responders; the techniques, strategies and procedures used by responders; and knowledge of who in the building is trained and authorized in seclusion and restraint;
	h. 	Documentation and notification requirements for incidents of seclusion, restraint, classroom clear and transfer/referral to a therapeutic classroom.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.16(256) Department responsibilities, evidence-based standards, guidelines and expectations. By June 30, 2022, the department will develop, establish, and distribute to all school districts evidence-based standards, guidelines, and expectations for the appropriate and inappropriate responses to behavior in the classroom that present an imminent threat of bodily injury to a student or another person to assist the districts in compliance with this rule. The standards, guidelines, and expectations will be consistent with 281—Chapter 103. The evidence-based standards, guidelines, and expectations for the appropriate and inappropriate responses to behavior in the classroom that presents an imminent threat of bodily injury will be based on the department’s continuous improvement framework to support student social-emotional-behavioral health (SEBH). The director will consult with the area education agencies to create comprehensive and consistent standards and guidance for professional development relating to successfully educating individuals in the least restrictive environment, and for evidence-based interventions consistent with the standards established pursuant to this rule.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
This division is intended to implement Iowa Code chapters 256, 279 and 280.
281—14.17 to 14.19   Reserved.
DIVISION III
SCHOOL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SCREENING AND TELEHEALTH
281—14.20(256B,280A) Definitions. For the purposes of this division, the definitions contained in Iowa Code section 280A.1 are incorporated by this reference.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.21(280A) Behavioral health screenings in school settings.
	14.21(1) A school district, an accredited nonpublic school, or an AEA may contract with a mental health professional or a nationally accredited behavioral health care organization in order to provide universal behavioral health screenings to students. If the school district, accredited nonpublic school, or area education agency contracts with mental health professionals to conduct behavioral health screenings, the following paragraphs apply:
	a. 	The screenings will be administered with the contracted mental health professional present, using a screener approved by the department, in consultation with the department of health and human services.
	b. 	The school district, accredited nonpublic school, or AEA that contracts for on-site student behavioral health screenings will obtain written parent or guardian consent or, in the case of a student who has reached the age of majority, the student’s written consent prior to the student’s participating in each screening.
	c. 	At any point before or during the screening, a student may opt out or discontinue participation in the screening without retribution.
	14.21(2) The parental consent is to allow for the mental health professional to disclose the screening results to the school or AEA if there is a credible threat to the health and safety of the student or others and provide the appropriate emergency contact. The parental consent may allow for the mental health professional to disclose screening information to the school or AEA in order to support the student(s) who may need intervention that could be provided through the school.
	14.21(3) The school district or AEA will ensure that the mental health professionals contracted to administer the screeners are qualified to administer the selected behavioral health screener.
	14.21(4) The school district or AEA will have procedures to secure and limit the access to health information to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), effective February 7, 2024, in accordance with parental consent.
	14.21(5) If a mental health professional conducts the screening and determines that a student needs additional behavioral health services, the mental health professional:
	a. 	Notifies the parent or guardian of the student of the results of the screening.
	b. 	May notify the student’s primary care provider, with parent or guardian consent, or the consent of the student who has reached the age of majority.
	c. 	May provide a list of local primary care providers to the parent or guardian if the student does not have a primary care provider.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.22(280A) Establishment of provider-patient relationship for telehealth in school setting.
	14.22(1) Iowa Code section 280A.3(1), 280A.3(3), and 280A.3(4) are incorporated by this reference.
	14.22(2) If a mental health professional provides behavioral health services via telehealth on school/AEA premises, the mental health professional will first establish a valid provider-patient relationship. The provider-patient relationship is established when:
	a. 	The student, with the consent of the student’s parent or guardian when the student has not yet reached the age of majority, seeks help from a mental health professional;
	b. 	The mental health professional agrees to provide treatment of the student; and
	c. 	The student’s parent or guardian agrees to have the student treated by the mental health professional.
	14.22(3) If a provider-patient relationship is established and the student has not yet reached the age of majority, parent or guardian consent will be obtained prior to the student receiving behavioral health services via telehealth in a school or AEA setting and is necessary each academic year that the student receives telehealth services.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
281—14.23(280A) Behavioral health services provided via telehealth in a school setting. Iowa Code section 280A.4 is incorporated by this reference.
[ARC 7788C, IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]
[Filed ARC 2311C (Notice ARC 2183C, IAB 10/14/15), IAB 12/9/15, effective 1/13/16]
[Filed ARC 3387C (Notice ARC 3088C, IAB 6/7/17), IAB 10/11/17, effective 11/15/17]
[Filed ARC 4294C (Notice ARC 4157C, IAB 12/5/18), IAB 2/13/19, effective 3/20/19]
[Filed ARC 5739C (Notice ARC 5580C, IAB 4/21/21), IAB 6/30/21, effective 8/4/21]
[Filed ARC 7041C (Notice ARC 6880C, IAB 2/8/23), IAB 6/28/23, effective 8/2/23]
[Filed ARC 7788C (Notice ARC 7584C, IAB 2/7/24), IAB 4/17/24, effective 5/22/24]