Mandate: Georgia Code 20-2-142 (no date available) requires the State Board of Education to prescribe a course of study in health and physical education for all grade levels. State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 (2011), adopted by the Georgia State Board of Education, requires a minimum of 90 contact hours of instruction at each grade level K-5 in health and physical education. Each school containing any grade 6-12 shall make available instruction in health and physical education. State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.47 (2002) requires high school students to complete one unit of Health and Physical Education (out of 22 units) in order to graduate.

Curriculum Content: The state has adopted standards, the Quality Core Curriculum and Student Competencies, found in State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.01 (2002). The eight standards for health education, written in general terms, are based on the National Health Education Standards. The state does not require schools to follow a specific curriculum, nor does it provide suggestions.

State Assessment Requirement: None.

Mandate: Georgia Code 20-2-142 (no date available) requires the State Board of Education to prescribe a course of study in health and physical education for all grade levels.  Code 20-2-776 (2009) requires each local school system to provide at least the minimum instruction in physical education required by the State Board of Education in Code 20-2-142. State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 (2011) requires local boards to develop and implement an accurate comprehensive health and physical education program" that includes motor skills, physical fitness, and lifetime sports. The rule further requires 90 hours of contact instruction in physical education and health for students in grade K-5 and must be made available for students in grades 6-12. State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.47 (2002) requires high school students to complete one unit of Health and Physical Education (out of 22 units) in order to graduate.

Exemptions: None specified.

Curriculum Content: The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources suggest lessons plans and resources to use in the classroom for physical education in grades K-12.

Physical Fitness Assessment: Code 20-2-777 (2009) requires each local school district to conduct an annual fitness assessment program one time each school year for students in grades 1-12, The assessment must be conducted during a physical education course taught by a physical education instructor.

Not specifically required.

State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 (2000) requires local boards of education to develop and implement a comprehensive health program which includes mental health education in grades K-12. The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources suggest lessons plans and resources to use in the classroom, including stress management, mental health issues, and self-management of actions and emotions.

Character Education: State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.33 (1997) requires local boards of education, per Georgia Code 20-2-145 (no date available), to adopt a plan for implementing values and character education, specifying instructional materials and strategies for all grade levels.

Mandate: Georgia Code 20-2-143 (1988) requires "each local board of [to] prescribe a course of study in sex education and AIDS prevention instruction for such grades and grade levels in the public school system as shall be determined by the State Board of Education Each local board of education shall be authorized to supplement and develop the exact approach of content areas of such minimum course of study with such specific curriculum standards as it may deem appropriate. Such standards shall include instruction relating to the handling of peer pressure, the promotion of high self-esteem, local community values, the legal consequences of parenthood, and abstinence from sexual activity as an effective method of prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome." The Code further states, the course may include instruction concerning human biology, conception, pregnancy, birth, sexually transmitted diseases, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The course shall include instruction concerning the legal consequences of parenthood, including, without being limited to, the legal obligation of both parents to support a child and legal penalties or restrictions upon failure to support a child, including, without being limited to, the possible suspension or revocation of a parent's drivers license and occupational or professional licenses."

Curriculum Content: The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources recommend resources and curricula for teaching HIV/AIDS in grades 6-12.

Parental Approval: In carrying out the requirements laid out in Georgia Code 20-2-143, State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 (2000) charges local schools with offering the instruction, with decisions about grades and curriculum being left to the local schools to decide. The Code requires schools to develop procedures to allow parents to remove a student from instruction, in writing (an opt-out policy). In addition, there must be a local board that reviews materials and decides on the most appropriate ages for instruction.

State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 (2000) requires local boards to develop and implement an accurate comprehensive health and physical education program" that includes nutrition. The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources recommend resources and curricula for teaching nutrition in grades K-12. The Georgia Performance Standards for Health Education (2010) include nutrition education.

Alcohol: Georgia Code 20-2-142 (no date available) requires the State Board of Education to prescribe a course of study in health and physical education which shall include instruction concerning the impact of alcohol upon health for all grade levels. This statute also requires the State Board of Education and the Board of Public Safety to jointly establish an alcohol and drug course for the purpose of informing the young people of this state of the dangers involved in consuming alcohol or certain drugs in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle". The alcohol and drug course must be offered at least once annually in public schools, and may be offered in private schools, to students in grades 9 and above as prescribed by the state board.

State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 (2000) requires schools to provide instruction on the misuse and abuse of alcohol in elementary, middle, and secondary grades. The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources recommend resources and curricula for teaching about alcohol use and abuse in grades 1-12.

Tobacco: Georgia Code 20-2-142 requires the State Board of Education to prescribe a course of study in health and physical education which shall include instruction concerning the impact of tobacco upon health for all grade levels. State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 requires schools to provide instruction on the misuse and abuse of tobacco in elementary, middle, and secondary grades. The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources recommend resources and curricula for teaching about tobacco use in grades 1-12.

Drugs: Georgia Code 20-2-142 requires the State Board of Education to prescribe a course of study in health and physical education which shall include instruction concerning the impact of drugs upon health for all grade levels. This statute also requires the State Board of Education and the Board of Public Safety to jointly establish an alcohol and drug course for the purpose of informing the young people of this state of the dangers involved in consuming alcohol or certain drugs in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle". The alcohol and drug course must be offered at least once annually in public schools, and may be offered in private schools, to students in grades 9 and above as prescribed by the state board.

State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 requires schools to provide instruction on the misuse and abuse of legal and illegal drugs in elementary, middle, and secondary grades. The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources recommend resources and curricula for teaching about drug abuse in grades 1-12.

The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources, per the safety education requirement of Rule 160-4-2-.12 (2000), requires violence prevention education be taught in grades K-12.

Bullying/Harassment:  The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources recommend resources and curricula for teaching, as required, bullying prevention in grades K-12 and sexual harassment in grades 9-12.

Fighting/Gangs: The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources recommend curricula and resources for teaching students, as required, about abuse in grades K-7, conflict resolution skills in grades K-12, and the causes of conflict and strategies on how to handle them, including gangs, in grade 8.

Suicide and Other Self-Abuse Prevention: The Quality Core Curriculum Standards and Resources recommend resources and curricula for teaching students, as required, about suicide, including the signs, prevention, causes, and how to get help, in grades 6 and 8-12.

Professional Development: Georgia Code 20-2-1185 (no date available) requires the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to provide training to public school personnel on a variety of school crisis management and response topics. Georgia Code 20-2-145 (no date available) require the department of education to develop character education program workshops for all employees of the school system.

Pre-service Requirement: The minimum requirement for prospective health teachers in elementary, middle, and high school grades prior to licensure is a bachelor's degree, with a minimum of 25-quarter hours in health coursework. The specific details of initial licensure are outlined in Professional Standards Commission (PSC) Rule 505-2-.69 (2004).

Professional Development: For renewal, 6 semester hours of college course work or 10 credits of Professional Learning Units (PLUs) or Continuing Education Units are required per PSC Rule 505-2-.024 (2004).

Pre-service Requirement: The minimum requirements for prospective health and physical education teachers in elementary, middle and high school grades prior to licensure is a clear renewable certificate according to PSC Rule 505-2-.71 (2004). For a clear renewable certificate, PSC Rule 505-2-.003 (2004) requires a candidate to have completed a state-approved program in health and physical education and have completed the special requirements per PSC Rule 505-2-.020 (2005) which include content knowledge, standards of conduct, recency of study, special education, teaching of reading and writing, and computer skill competency.

Professional Development: For renewal, 6 semester hours of college course work or 10 credits of Professional Learning Units (PLUs) or Continuing Education Units are required per PSC Rule 505-2-.024 (2004).

Pre-service Requirement: Georgia Code 20-2-771.2 (no date available) requires each local board of education to establish policies and procedures for a school health nurse program. The state further suggests in the School Health Nurse Resource Manual (2001) for schools to utilize registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or health assistants. According to the manual, registered nurses must have a valid state license, further details provided in Georgia Code 43-26-7 (1994) which requires the completion of and graduation from a nursing education program and the passing of a board approved examination, licensed practical nurses must have a state LPN license, and health assistants must have a high school diploma certificate preferably in a health related field.

Professional Development: None specified.

Student-to-Nurse Ratio: Chapter 1 of the Georgia School Health Resource Manual (2004) [No link available] recommends school nurses be employed at a ratio of 750:1.

Pre-service Requirement: The School Health Nurse Resource Manual (2001) recommends that student health assistants/clinic workers have a minimum of a high school diploma. A certificate in a health related field is preferred.

Professional Development: The School Health Nurse Resource Manual (2001) recommends non-nursing personnel who are expected to administer medications at school receive in-service training on district policy and procedures on the subject.

Pre-service Requirement: PSC Rule 505-2-.117 (2004), per PSC Rule 505-2-.03 (2004), requires a valid National Certified School Counselor credential issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors and completion of the content knowledge assessments and Special Georgia Requirements [PSC Rule 505-2-.20 (2005)]. The Special Georgia Requirements include an FBI background check, completion of study or experience within five years of application, three semester hours of credit in identifying and educating children with special educational needs, and computer competency.

Professional Development: PSC Rule 160-3-3-.04 (2003) requires each school system to develop a three-year professional learning plan to be included in the school system's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). This learning plan shall organize and direct all professional learning activities regardless of program or funding. State Board of Education Rule 160-3-3-.10 (2003) elaborates further, requiring school systems to offer professional development programs for professional learning units (PLUs), aimed at improvement in assessed areas of need.

Student-to-Counselor Ratio: School Guidance and Counseling Services per State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.22 (2000) requires school systems, for state-funding, to employ 1 counselor per 462 FTE for grades K-5, per 624 FTE for grades 6-8, and per 400 FTE for grades 9-12.

Pre-service Requirement: PSC Rule 505-2-.119 (2004), per PSC Rule 505-2-.03 (2004), requires a valid National Certified School Psychologist credential issued by the National Board of Certified School Psychologists and completion of the content knowledge assessments and Special Georgia Requirements [PSC Rule 505-2-.20 (2005)]. The Special Georgia Requirements include an FBI background check, completion of study or experience within five years of application, and computer competency.

Professional Development: State Board of Education Rule 160-3-3-.04 (2003) requires each school system to develop a three-year professional learning plan to be included in the school system's CSIP. This learning plan shall organize and direct all professional learning activities regardless of program or funding. State Board of Education Rule 160-3-3-.10 (2003) elaborates further, requiring school systems to offer professional development programs for PLUs, aimed at improvement in assessed areas of need.

Student-to-Psychologist Ratio: State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.22 (2000) requires systems to provide as many school psychologists as needed to satisfy federal and state law. The program overview for School Psychological Services states that Georgia employs about one psychologist per 2,200 FTE.

Pre-service Requirement: PSC Rule 505-2-.119 (2004), per PSC Rule 505-2-.03 (2004), requires a master of social work degree from a Professional Standards Commission approved program and institution and completion of the content knowledge assessments and Special Georgia Requirements [PSC Rule 505-2-.20 (2005)]. The Special Georgia Requirements include an FBI background check, completion of study or experience within five years of application, and computer competency.

Professional Development: State Board of Education Rule 160-3-3-.04 (2003) requires each school system to develop a three-year professional learning plan to be included in the school system's CSIP. This learning plan shall organize and direct all professional learning activities regardless of program or funding. State Board of Education Rule 160-3-3-.10 (2003) elaborates further, requiring school systems to offer professional development programs for PLUs, aimed at improvement in assessed areas of need.

Student-to-Social Worker Ratio: The School Social Work Service program overview, per State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.22 (2000), requires each school system to employ one full-time school social worker per 2,475 students.

Pre-service Requirement: Georgia Professional Standards Commission Rule 5-2-.203 (2004) outlines the requirements for  School Nutrition Director.

State Board of Education Rule 160-5-6-.01 (2011) require all new employees to complete, within the first year of employment, an employment training program. 

State Board of Education Rule 160-5-6-.01 (2011) requires each food service facilitiy to have at least one school nutrition employee on site to be certified as a food safety manager, who has successfully completed a state approved food safety training program and passed a professionally validated Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) examination accredited by a national agency.

Professional Development: State Board of Education Rule 160-5-6-.01 (2011) requires school districts to make in-services available annually for school food service personnel.

Pre-service Requirement: None specified.

Professional Development: None specified.

Additional Content Requirements: None

Guidance Materials: None

Other: None

Additional Accountability Requirements:None

Food Services: State Board of Education Rule 160-5-6-.01 (2002) requires each local board of education to ensure participation by all schools in a state-approved nutrition program and provide a  prohibiting the sale of food of minimal nutritional value, as described in Federal Rule. The policy must prohibit the sale of foods of minimal nutritional value (FMNV) in elementary schools from the beginning of the school day until the last lunch period when students are scheduled to return to class.  For all other schools, FMNV must be prohibited in the dining, serving and kitchen areas during mealtime. The board must also provide a choice of menus or items and a job-related training program for school nutrition program personnel that provides annual in-service training, requires all new employees to complete a training program within the first full school year, and facilitates 30 credit hour training courses.

Adequate Time to Eat: No state policy.

School Breakfast: Code 20-2-66 (2007) requires school breakfast in K-8 schools with 25 percent or more free and reduced price eligible students and in all other schools with 40 percent or more free and reduced price eligible students.

Food Allergies: No state policy.

Farm-to-School: No state policy.

Vending Machines/School Stores: No state policy.

Other Food Sales: State Board of Education Rule 160-5-6-.01 (2002) requires each local board of education to ensure participation by all schools in a state-approved nutrition program and provide a policy prohibiting the sale of food of minimal nutritional value, as described in Federal Rule. The policy must prohibit the sale of foods of minimal nutritional value (FMNV) in elementary schools from the beginning of the school day until the last lunch period when students are scheduled to return to class.  For all other schools, FMNV must be prohibited in the dining, serving and kitchen areas during mealtime.

School Gardening: No state policy.

General Physical Activity Requirement: No state policy.

Recess or Physical Activity Breaks: No state policy.

Recess Before Lunch: No state policy.

Walking/Biking to School: No state policy.

Interscholastic Athletics: State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.19 (1997) requires each local school board to adopt a policy regulating competitive interscholastic activities for grades 6-12. Student eligibility and physical examination requirements are outlined in the rule.

Concussion or Sports-Related Head Injury: No state policy.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Code 20-2-775 (2001) requires each public high school with an interscholastic athletics program to have at least one functional AED on site at all times and easily accessible during any school related function. Each school must ensure that expected users receive training in CPR and AED use through a certified course. Additional expectations of the schools in regards to the AED are outlined in the statute.

Georgia Code 20-2-1185 (no date available) requires schools to adopt school safety plans to provide a safe learning environment for Georgia's children, teachers, and other school personnel.  State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.15 (2004) requires local boards to adopt policies that provide for age appropriate student codes of conduct to improve the student learning environment.

Fighting/Gangs: Georgia code 20-2-751.5 (no date available) and State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.15 requires local school boards to include in their student codes of conduct the prohibition of physical assault or battery of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel by students.

Weapons: State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.15 requires local school boards to include in their student codes of conduct the prohibition of weapons. Georgia Code 20-2-751.1 (no date available) requires local school boards to establish a policy requiring students guilty of bringing a weapon to school to be expelled for at least one calendar year. Georgia Code 16-11-127.1 (no date available) also states that it is unlawful for any person, unless specifically excepted in this statute, to carry or possess or have under their control any weapon or explosive compound while within 1,000 feet of any property owned or leased by any public or private school or at a school building, school function, on school property, or on a school bus or other transportation furnished by the school. Violation of this statute constitutes a felony punishable with a fine up to $10,000 and/or two to ten years imprisonment. If the violation involved a firearm, dangerous weapon, or machine gun, then the imprisonment punishment is amended to be between five and ten years. SB299 (2010) further clarifies this by defining what constitutes a violation as any weapon, as such term is defined in Code Section 16-11-127.1, together with an assault, a firearm as defined in paragraph (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 16-11-131 or a dangerous weapon or machine gun as defined in Code Section 16-11-121.

State Board of Education Rule 160-4-7-.14 (2000) allows school personnel to order a change of placement of a student with a disability for not more than 45 days if the student carries or possesses a weapon to school or to a school function.

Drugs and Alcohol: State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.15 requires local school boards to include in their student codes of conduct the prohibition of the unlawful use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol". State Board of Education Rule 160-4-7-.14 allows school personnel to order a change of placement of a student with a disability for not more than 45 days if the student knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance while at school or a school function.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Georgia Code 20-2-1185 requires collaboration with local law enforcement in adopting school safety plans.

Bullying/Harassment: SB250 (2010) describes bullying as an act that occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at designated bus stops, or at school related functions or activities, or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network or other electronic technology. Definitions of bullying are included in the statute, including written, verbal and physical acts which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass, or intimidate that (1) causes another person substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm, (2) has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school or interfering with a student’s education, or (3) is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment. It requires each local board of education to adopt policies prohibiting bullying in grades 6-12 and include them in the student code of conduct. It requires local board policies to require a student that has committed bullying three times in a school year to be assigned to an alternative school. Local school boards must adopt a policy requiring notification to the parent, guardian or other person in charge of a student of a bullying offense as a victim or perpetrator. 

SB250 (2010) requires the Department of Education to develop a model policy regarding bullying. The policy must prohibit bullying, require reporting of incidents and procedures for investigation, an age-appropriate range of consequences, procedures for providing information on a bullying activity, prohibition for retaliation, and immunity from liability for those acting in good faith.

State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.15 requires local school boards to include in their student codes of conduct the prohibition of bullying and sexual harassment and verbal assault that constitutes sexual harassment of other students.

Cyberbullying: SB250 (2010) includes in its description of bullying acts that occur by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network or other electronic technology. Bullying is defined in the statute, and local school boards are required to adopt policies for grades 6-12 that prohibit bullying of a student by another student and include them in the student code of conduct.

Hazing: Code 16-5-51 makes it unlawful for any person to haze any student in connection with or as a condition or precondition of gaining acceptance, membership, office or other status in a school organization.

Response and Management Plans: Georgia Code 20-2-1185  (no date available) requires schools to adopt school safety plans to respond to incidents of violence, natural disasters, hazardous materials, and acts of terrorism. Public schools must also address security issues with school transportation and with-in 1,000 feet of school owned or leased property. Public schools may also request state-funding for the installation of safety and security devices. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency is also required to provide training and technical assistance to public school systems and develop a crisis response plan.

Reporting Incidents of Violence: Georgia Code 20-2-740 (no date available) requires local boards of education to file an annual report with the Department of Education regarding disciplinary and placement actions taken during the previous school year.

Code 31-12A-4(10) (2005) prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces, the definition of which includes public schools.

No state policy.

Code 20-2-587 (2003) requires each local school system to develop and implement an integrated pest management program for school buildings and school grounds approved by the Department of Agriculture, according to code 20-2-589 (2003).  Code 20-2-587 (2003) requires schools to maintain a school pesticide notification list. All individuals on the list must be notified at least 24 prior to an application. Code 20-20-588 (2003) prohibits applications of pesticides within a school building or on school grounds while students are present for normal academic instruction or extracurricular activities.or within seven hours prior to normal academic instruction or extracurricular activities. However, a local school may authorize an emergency pesticide application in cases where pests pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of students and staff. In case of an emergency application, schools are required by Code 20-2-587 (2003) to notify individuals on the school pesticide notification list within 24 hours after application.

No state policy.

Vision and Hearing: Code 20-2-770 authorizes the Department of Human Resources, along with the State Board of Education to promulgate rules to provide for an eye examination for each student entering first grade in the public schools, and at other times as such rules provide.

Chronic Health Conditions: No state policy.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening: No state policy.

Physical Examination: Code 20-2-319.2 (2005) requires the State Board of Education to develop an interscholastic extracurricular athletic policy to provide "a single, comprehensive, preparticipation physical examination form" for schools.

Staff Administration: State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.01 (2000) requires each school system to develop a Student Services Plan that provides guidelines for its various components including school health services. The state's School Health Nurse Resource Manual (2001) provides suggested models for each school system to implement the rule. Each model includes administration of medication as a school nurse function.

Self-Administration of Asthma Medication: Georgia Code 20-2-774 (2002) requires each local board of education to adopt a policy authorizing the self-administration of asthma medication by a student, provided that the student is authorized for self-administration and may possess and use the medication while in school, at a school sponsored activity, while under the supervision of school personnel, or while in before-school or after-school care on school operated property. The code further explains that the school district and its employees are not liable for any injury to a student caused by his or her self-administration of the asthma medication. The Guidelines for Medication Administration encourages schools to allow students to personally control medications as necessary.

Self-Administration of Anaphylaxis Medication: Georgia Code 20-2-776 (2009) requires each local board of education to adopt  a policy authorizing a student to carry and self-administer prescription auto-injectable epinephrine.  A student authorized for self-administration pursuant to the Code may possess and use an auto-injectable epinephrine while in school, at a school sponsored activity, while under the supervision of school personnel, or while in before- or after-school care in a school operated property. The student's parent or guardian and a licensed physician must provide written statements whose requirements are outlined in the Code. 
 
Self-Administration of General Medication: No state policy.

Psychotropic Medications: No state policy.

Storage and Record-keeping: The School Health Nurse Resource Manual (2001) and chapter 3 of the Georgia School Health Resource Manual (2004) [no link available] suggest that medication be stored in a secure, locked, clean area in a central place accessible only to designated school health personnel. A record should be on the student's record sheet each time a medication is administered.

Medical Emergencies: The School Health Nurse Resource Manual (2001) and chapter 2 of the Georgia School Health Resource Manual (2004) [no link available] recommend procedures to be followed in case of a medical emergency, including calling 911, pulling the student's Enrollment Data Sheet, and contacting the parents.

Requirement to Provide Services: State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.01 (2000) requires local school systems to develop a Student Service Plan which must minimally provide guidelines for the provision of school psychological, guidance and counseling, and social work services. State Board of Education Rule 160-4-8-.05 (2000) further states that each local board of education must provide for school counseling and guidance services by insuring each school counselor is engaged in specific counseling or guidance activities. This rule also provides requirements and options for duties that must be included in the counselor's duties.

Identification of Students with Mental or Emotional Disorders: State Board of Education Rule 160-4-7-.03 (2000) requires local school systems and state-operated programs to have policies and procedures for the identification, location, and evaluation of all students with disabilities, regardless of severity and who are in need of special education and related services.

Substance Abuse: No state policy.

Suicide Prevention: No state policy.

HIV, STD, and Pregnancy Testing and Counseling: Georgia Code 20-2-773 prohibits facilities on school property or those operated by the school district from distributing contraceptives, performing or referring abortions, or dispensing abortifacients. Employees of these facilities, while acting within the scope of their employment, are also prohibited from distributing contraceptives. The Department of Education and local units are also expressly forbidden from using state funds for the distribution of contraceptives.

Immunity of Liability: No state policy.

Detailed, current information about immunization requirements by state is maintained by the National Network for Immunization Information.  Select your state from the drop down box under Search for State Vaccine Requirements for School Entry."

Exemptions:  Code 20-2-771 (2006) allows exemption from immunization requirements under the following circumstances: (1) A certificate is issued by the board of health or licensed physician stating that the student has a physical disability that makes immunization undesirable, or (2) The parent or guardian provides an affidavit stating that the immunization required conflicts with the religious beliefs of the parent or guardian.  During an epidemic or a threatened epidemic of any disease preventable by an immunization required by the Department of Human Resources, children who have not been immunized may be excluded from the school or facility until (1) they are immunized against the disease, unless they present valid evidence of prior disease, or (2) the epidemic or threat no longer constitutes a significant public health danger.

State Board of Education Rule 160-1-3-.03 (1990) requires a local unit of administration to determine whether an employee can remain in the work setting based upon risk, as determined by a medical professional.

State Board of Education Rule 160-1-3-.03 (1990) requires a local unit of administration to determine whether a student can remain in the classroom based upon risk, as determined by a medical professional.

Georgia has no state law or administrative rule that addresses attendance for pregnant or parenting students, however, Georgia Code 20-2-150 (2001) allows local units of administration to develop an alternative program beyond the regular daytime education program for students who are married, pregnant or parents.

State Board of Education Rule 160-4-7-.09 (2000) requires an individualized education program to contain statements of any special education or related services provided to a student, including school health services according to State Board of Education Rule 160-4-7-.01 (2000).

State-level: No state policy.

Local-level: State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.12 (2000) requires each local board to establish a committee to periodically review the sex/AID education instructional materials and make recommendations for age/grade level use.

State-level: No state policy.

Local-level: State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.22 (2000) requires each school system to employ at least one full-time school nutrition program director.

Student Health-Related Records: State Board of Education Rule 160-4-7-.12 (2000) requires each school system to provide information to the parent or guardian of the student regarding the confidentiality of personally identifiable information" relating to students with disabilities and the rights and responsibilities under the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The School Health Nurse Resource Manual (2001) and chapter 1 of the Georgia School Health Resource Manual (2004) [no link available] state that FERPA applies to all student records, including medication records.

Student Health-Related Services: Georgia has no specific state policy concerning the confidentiality of student mental health services. However, State Board of Education Rule 160-4-7-.12, an elaboration of FERPA, requires the local superintendent or designee to ensure the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information, and states that the access of such information without parental/guardian/surrogate consent is forbidden.

No state policy.