3414 - Infectious Diseases

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases the superintendent will implement procedures assuring that all school buildings are in compliance with State Board of Health rules and regulations regarding the presence of persons who have or have been exposed to infectious diseases deemed dangerous to the public health. Such procedures will also prescribe the steps to remove the danger to others.

The district will require that the parent/guardian complete a medical history form at the
beginning of each school year. The school nurse may use this information to advise the parent of the need for further medical attention and to plan for potential health problems in school.

The superintendent authorizes the school principal to exclude a student who has been
diagnosed by a Licensed Health Care Provider (LHP) or is suspected of having an infectious
disease in accordance with the regulations within the most current Infectious Disease Control Guide for school staff, provided by the Department of Health. The principal and/or school nurse will report the presence of suspected case or cases of reportable communicable disease to the appropriate local health authority as required by the State Board of Health. The district and its staff will treat all information concerning a student's present and past health condition as confidential. The principal will cooperate with the local health officials in the investigation of the source of the disease.

The fact that a student has been tested for a sexually transmitted infection, the test result, any information relating to the diagnosis or treatment of a sexually transmitted infection, and any information regarding drug or alcohol treatment for a student must be kept strictly confidential. If the district receives authorization to release information, the district may disclose information pursuant to the restrictions in the release.

A school principal, or designee has the authority to send an ill student home without the
concurrence of the local health officer, but if the disease is reportable, the district must notify
the local health officer. The local health officer is the primary resource in the identification
and control of infectious disease in the community and school. The local health officer, in
consultation with the superintendent, can take whatever action deemed necessary to control or eliminate the spread of disease, including closing a school.

 

Legal References:

Chapter 70.02 RCW	Medical records — Health care information access and disclosure
RCW 28A.210.010	Contagious diseases, limiting contact — Rules
Chapter 246-110 WAC	Contagious diseases – School districts and day care centers
RCW 70.24.290	Public school employees – Rule for bloodborne pathogens education and training
WAC 246-101-420	Duties – Schools

 

Management Resources:

2024 – October Issue

2020 – September Alert

2018 – August Issue  

2013 – February Issue

 

Adoption Date: August 15, 2005

Revised:  June 2, 2015; March 18, 2020; February 23, 2021

Reviewed: April 8, 2025

Administrator Responsibilities: