The purpose of this memorandum is to bring to your attention the requirements in Act 1565 of 1999, "To Amend Arkansas Code 6-18-1005 To Provide Individualized Health Care Plans For Students With Special Health Care Needs." The Act requires the following:
A. Students with special health care needs, including chronically ill, medically fragile and technology dependent, and students with other health impairments shall have an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP);
B. Invasive medical procedures required by students and provided at the school shall be performed by trained, licensed personnel who are licensed to perform the task subject to Arkansas Code 17-87-102(2)(d) or other professional licensure statutes. The regular classroom teacher shall not perform these tasks; and
C. Custodial health care services required by students under an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) shall be provided by trained school employees other than the regular classroom teachers.
In October 1996, the Special Education Unit provided training and a Resource Manual on Developing School Policies For Children With Special Health Care Needs. To assist you in meeting the requirements of Act 1565 of 1999, we have reprinted the Resource Manual and are providing it under separate cover via the United States Postal System. The Resource Manual contains examples of IHPs.
Additionally, field-testing will begin in January 2000 on training for paraprofessionals working with children with special health care needs who have IHPs. Statewide training will be available prior to the 2000-2001 school year.