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Board holds first reading on DNR policy; counsel outlines two approaches and urges robust procedures
Summary
Legal counsel advised the Grants‑Cibola County Schools board that any district DNR policy must align with the New Mexico Uniform Health Care Decision Act and recommended either an entity‑level conscientious‑objector approach or a neutral model that delegates decisions to individual health‑care providers; the board did not take action and requested further drafts and public engagement.
The Grants‑Cibola County Schools board held an extended first reading on whether and how the district should recognize Do‑Not‑Resuscitate (DNR) orders for students, receiving legal advice and asking for more community engagement before any final action.
Policy services presented advisory materials and counsel from Walsh Gos (Dr. Bernoy) summarized the governing legal framework, pointing to the New Mexico Uniform Health Care Decision Act. Counsel described two main policy paths: one where the district adopts an entity position (an institutional conscientious‑objector stance) that acknowledges receipt of DNRs but maintains procedures to notify parents and preserve life‑sustaining measures until emergency medical services (EMS) decide, and an alternative neutral approach that allows individual licensed health‑care providers employed by the district (for example school nurses) to make decisions consistent with statutory definitions.
Counsel emphasized that either approach requires a detailed regulation accompanying the policy: clear notice procedures, training for staff (including substitutes and staff on field trips), FERPA‑compliant handling of records, and culturally sensitive communications and tribal consultation. Board members raised specific concerns about liability, protection for school nurses, the interaction with IEP/504 plans for medically fragile students, and the logistics of notification and training. Several members asked for a plain‑language one‑page comparison of the options for distribution to families and staff.
No vote was held; the board agreed to continue work on a draft policy and schedule further public engagement and follow‑up readings before final adoption.
