Board adopts new telehealth and emergency rescue-medication policies; residency policy updated with review on suspension language

The Worcester County Board of Education voted Tuesday to revise several policies: an updated Emergency Rescue Medications and First Aid policy, a new Telehealth Appointments during the school day policy, and an updated Eligibility and Attendance (residency) policy.

Lauren Williams, coordinator of School Health Services, told the board the emergency-medications policy was revised to reflect legislation enacted last year that requires schools to provide access to bronchodilators for asthmatic emergencies and to include state-required responses for seizures and respiratory distress. The update clarifies training frequency for staff and requires that emergency rescue medications be available for off‑site activities such as field trips.

Williams also presented a new telehealth policy created to implement a state law requiring school space be made available for telehealth services in some circumstances. The policy permits principals or designees to provide a private, Internet-capable room with seating and electricity; families must schedule and pay for services, provide an Internet‑capable device, and a parent or guardian must be present for appointments unless the student is 18. The board approved the new telehealth policy on a motion by board member William Buchanan, seconded by Michael Gordy.

Nicole Selby presented a revised Eligibility and Attendance policy that tightened the definition of a bona fide Worcester County residence and reaffirmed that the family bears the burden of providing residency documentation. The updated language references COMAR rules on suspension and expulsion; during the discussion Board member Dr. John Andes asked whether the policy should say a suspended student “shall” not be enrolled (a firmer requirement) rather than “may” not be enrolled, as currently written. The board approved the residency policy as presented with a direction to staff to check the exact COMAR language and return if a change from “may” to “shall” is required.

Board votes: the Emergency Rescue Medications and First Aid revision was approved (motion by Donald Smack, second by Ms. McComas). The telehealth policy was approved (motion by William Buchanan, second by Michael Gordy). The residency policy was approved with the agreed review of suspension language (motion to adopt as presented by Dr. Andes; second by Ms. Adams).