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Committee recommends PGCPS telehealth policy after review of state guidance and implementation needs
Summary
The Policy & Governance Committee voted to recommend development of a telehealth policy that aligns with new state law and MSDE guidance; the superintendent will draft administrative procedures covering consent, confidentiality and school logistics.
The Policy and Governance Committee recommended that Prince George's County Public Schools adopt a telehealth policy after staff outlined statutory requirements, Maryland State Department of Education guidance and implementation considerations at the May 13 committee meeting.
The telehealth requirement follows a 2024 state law that directs local school systems to establish policies governing telehealth services for students; the MSDE issued guidance to help districts implement the law. Committee member Miss Wilson summarized the obligation: "The telehealth this policy is based on a law that was passed, last, the 2024 legislative session, which requires, school systems to have a telehealth policy in place."
Staff emphasized several implementation components that will be covered in an administrative procedure: parental or eligible-student informed consent; HIPAA and FERPA protections; a confidential, school-provided space with internet access and power; coordination between the school, parents and telehealth providers; and protocols to limit classroom disruption and provide makeup instruction. The superintendent or designee must outline equitable access and accommodation strategies so students with disabilities can use telehealth services.
Committee members asked for explicit involvement of nursing staff and school health services in drafting procedures; a committee amendment asked that district nursing representatives be consulted. The committee voted to recommend the policy sponsor draft the administrative procedure and return with the final text for subsequent review.
