In 1985 the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 832 which requires screening for abnormal spinal curves for students in grades 6 and 9 attending public and private schools. The school is then required to notify the parents if a child shows any signs of a possible curvature. Screening should be done during the growth spurt years, ages 10-14 years (Grades 5-9), to detect spinal deformities early.
The screening requirement for children entering grades 6 and 9 may be met if the child has been screened for spinal deformities by a physician and a record has been provided. Schools may implement a program that includes screening in the 5th and 8th grades, instead of grades 6 and 9.
ESC-20 offers spinal certification classes throughout the year. Go to iLearning to register.
The Vision and Hearing Screening Program, Texas Health and Safety Code requires that all children enrolled for the first time in any public, private, parochial, or denominational school or in a Department of Family and Protective Services licensed child-care center and licensed child care home in Texas, or who meet certain grade criteria (specified below), must be screened or have a professional examination for possible vision and hearing problems.
4-years-old by September 1st
Kindergartners
Any other first-time entrants
(4 years* through 12th grade) must be screened within 120 days of admission
1st-, 3rd-, 5th- and 7th--graders must be screened anytime within the school year (preferably within first semester)
Health Services Region 8 Vision and Hearing Program Coordinator:
Ramiro Martinez 7430 Louis Pasteur Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229 Phone: (210) 949-2039 Fax: (210) 949-2084
ESC-20 offers vision certification, hearing certification, and vision/hearing recertification classes throughout the year. Go to iLearning to register.
Acanthosis Nigricans (Risk Assessment for Type II Diabetes)
University of Texas - Pan American 1201 W. University Dr, Edinburg TX 78539 Phone: (956) 318 8900 Fax: (956) 318 8903
ESC-20 offers Risk Assessment for Type II Diabetes classes throughout the year. Go to iLearning to register.
UDCA Training
Guidelines for Training School Employees Who Are Not Licensed Healthcare Professionals
House Bill (HB) 984, 79[R], relates to the care of students with diabetes in schools. The bill mandates that principals identify unlicensed personnel to assist with caring for students during the regular school day or while participating in a school activity. The bill also mandates that the Texas Diabetes Council (TDC) develop guidelines for training school personnel to be diabetes care assistants.
ESC-20 offer UDCA training in September and January of each year. Go to iLearning to register.
Bloodborne Pathogen Control in Texas Schools
As a result of legislation passed in 1999, Texas public school districts are required to implement bloodborne pathogen exposure control plans. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) School Health Program compiled information and resources to assist public school districts in adapting policies to ensure compliance with Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 96 (Bloodborne Pathogen Control) of the Texas Administrative Code (§§96.101, 96.201-96.203, 96.301-96.304, 96.401-96.402, 96.501, 96.601) and Chapter 81 of the Health & Safety code (§§ 81.301- 81.306). Click on the following link to access the resources:
