Mandate: The Comprehensive Health Education Act Code of Laws 59-32-30 (2002) requires students in grades Kindergarten through 8 to receive instruction in health each year, and for students in grades 9 through 12 to receive instruction at least once.  Time requirements are 75 minutes weekly for elementary school, and 250 minutes per week for nine weeks for middle school. For grades 9-12, at least at least one time during the four years each student must receive instruction in comprehensive health education, including at least 750 minutes of reproductive health education and pregnancy prevention education. State Board of Education Regulation R 43-238 (1992) provides various options for the delivery of instruction in grades 9-12, although students are not explicitly required to take health in order to graduate.

Code 59-10-320 (2005) requires the State Department of Education to make available to each district a coordinated school health model to address children's health issues, including health education. The Department of Education is required to develop or adopt an assessment program to evaluate district and school health education programs, to be implemented by the 2008-09 school year.

Curriculum Content: The Board of Education adopted the Health and Safety Education Curriculum Standards in 2000. The state does not require schools to follow a specific curriculum, nor does it provide one.

State Assessment Requirement: None.

Mandate: Code 59-10-10 (2005) mandates that students in grades K-5 must be provided with at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, 90 minutes of which must be provided in physical education. Students are required to complete 1 unit (out of 24) of physical education or junior ROTC for a high school diploma as outlined in Curriculum Requirements for a South Carolina High School Diploma and State Board of Education R 43-259 (2003).

Code 59-10-320 (2005) requires the State Department of Education to make available to each district a coordinated school health model to address children's health issues, including physical education.

Exemptions: Code 59-10-10 (2005) allows students in grades K-5 to be exempt from physical education and activity requirements if they meet the standards for exemptions set forth in Code 59-29-80 (no date available).  Exemptions are granted for students involved in a military or naval ROTC program sponsored by one of the military institutions of the United States.  In addition, students may be exempted from physical education requirements by seeking a waiver from the local school board of trustees.  Requests are granted under the following circumstances:  (1) a student presents a statement from a physician indicating that participation in physical education would jeopardize a student's health and well-being, or (2) the parent and student are members of a recognized religious faith that objects to physical education as a part of its doctrine or creed, and both demonstrate that attending physical education would violate their religious beliefs.

Curriculum Content: The Board of Education adopted the Physical Education Curriculum Standards (2008). The state does not require schools to follow a specific curriculum, nor does it provide one. Code 59-10-60 (2005) requires each school district to make every effort to ensure that its schools have age appropriate equipment and facilities to implement these standards.

Physical Fitness Assessment: Code 59-10-10 requires student's individual fitness status to be reported to their parent or legal guardian during their fifth grade, eighth grade, and high school physical education courses. Per Code 59-10-50 (2005), the South Carolina Physical Education Assessment must be administered in each public school in grades 2, 5, 8, and high school. The State Department of Education must develop a procedure for calculating a district and school physical education effectiveness score based on the Assessment.

Content Area 1 of the Health and Safety Standards (2000) mentions that students in grades 6-12 are to receive instruction on detecting, reducing the risk of, and the treatment of communicable and chronic diseases.

The Health and Safety Education Standards  (2009) requires specific mental, emotional, and social knowledge and skills be imparted by certain grades; however, no specific curriculum is recommended or required. Standard 1.4 requires students to be taught the effects of physical, social, and emotional environments on personal health by the end of grade 5. Standard 2.1 requires students by the end of grade 12 to know the effects of nutrition on physical and mental performance. Standards 3.1 3.7 require students in grades K-12 receive mental health education. Standard 5.1 requires students by the end of grade 8 to know the psychological, physical, and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Standard 6.3 requires students be taught stress management skills by the end of grade 12. Standard 6.5 requires students by the end of grade 8 to know how to express feelings and relieve stress in a healthy manner. Standards 2.1 and 2.3 requires students by the end of grades 5 and 8 respectively to be taught the adverse effects of eating disorders and how to avoid them through modification of personal nutrition practices.

Character Education: Code 59-17-135 (2000) requires each local board to adopt a policy addressing character education. Character education programs must incorporate character traits including respect for others, honest, self-control, etc.

Mandate: The Comprehensive Health Education Act Code 59-32-30 (2002) requires that "in grades 6 through 8 sexually transmitted diseases are to be included as a part of instruction. And, at least one time during the four years of grades 9-12, each student shall receive at least 750 minutes of reproductive health education and pregnancy prevention education The program of instruction provided for in this section may not include a discussion of alternate sexual lifestyles from heterosexual relationships including, but not limited to, homosexual relationships except in the context of instruction concerning sexually transmitted diseases."

Curriculum Content: Code 59-32-30 (2002) states, "to assist in the selection of components and curriculum materials, each local school board shall appoint a thirteen-member local advisory committee consisting of two parents, three clergy, two health professionals, two teachers, two students, one being the president of the student body of a high school, and two other persons not employed by the local school district ... No contraceptive device or contraceptive medication may be distributed in or on the school grounds of any public elementary or secondary school. No school district may contract with any contraceptive provider for their distribution in or on the school grounds. Except as to that instruction provided by this chapter relating to complications which may develop from all types of abortions, school districts may not offer programs, instruction, or activities including abortion counseling, information about abortion services, or assist in obtaining abortion, and materials containing this information must not be distributed in schools. Any course or instruction in sexually transmitted diseases must be taught within the reproductive health, family life, or pregnancy prevention education components or it must be presented as a separate component. Instruction in pregnancy prevention education must be presented separately to male and female students."

The South Carolina Health and Safety Education Standards  (2009) address HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention, but schools are neither required to follow a specific curriculum nor are one suggested.

Parental Approval: Code 59-32-50 requires "public school principals [to] develop a method of notifying parents of students in the relevant grades of the content of the instructional materials concerning reproductive health, family life, pregnancy prevention, and of their option to exempt their child from this instruction, and sexually transmitted diseases if instruction in the diseases is presented as a separate component" (an "opt-out" policy).

Code 59-10-360 (2005) requires health curriculum for students in grades K-5 to include a weekly nutrition component. The Comprehensive Health Education Act Code 59-32-30 (2002) requires students in grades K-8 to receive instruction in health including nutritional health each year, and for students in grades 9-12 to receive instruction at least once. State Board of Education Regulation R 43-238 (1992) requires students in grades 9-12 to receive instruction in nutritional health.

Content Area 2 of the Health and Safety Standards (2000) mentions that students in grades K-12 are to receive instruction on nutritional choices, food classifications, and appropriate nutrition behaviors.

Alcohol: The Comprehensive Health Education Act Code 59-32-30 and State Board of Education Regulation R 43-238 (1992) requires students in grades K-9 receive instruction on substance use and abuse. Content Area 6 of the Health and Safety Standards (2000) also includes alcohol use and prevention strategies for grades K-12.

Tobacco: The Comprehensive Health Education Act Code 59-32-30 and State Board of Education Regulation R 43-238 requires students in grades K-9 receive instruction on substance use and abuse. Content Area 6 of the Health and Safety Standards also includes tobacco use and prevention strategies for grades K-12.

Drugs: The Comprehensive Health Education Act Code 59-32-30 and State Board of Education Regulation R 43-238 requires students in grades K-9 receive instruction on substance use and abuse. Content Area 6 of the Health and Safety Standards also includes drug use and prevention strategies for grades K-12.

Bullying/Harassment: Code 59-63-150 (2005) encourages schools and school districts to establish bullying prevention programs.

Professional Development: Code 59-1-475 (no date available) requires each school district to adopt curriculum for continuing education for teachers and appropriate staff on domestic and family violence. Code 59-63-140 (no date available) requires school districts, as funds allow, to provide training to school employees and volunteers on the district's harassment, intimidation, or bullying policies.

Code 59-10-40 (2005) requires appropriate professional development be provided to teachers and volunteers on the importance of physical activity for young children and the relationship of activity and good nutrition to academic performance and healthy lifestyles. Code 59-10-320 (2005) requires the State Department of Education to notify each school district of the availability of professional development opportunities for implementing the coordinated school health model cited in this statute.

Pre-service Requirement: The minimum requirement for prospective health teachers in elementary and middle grades prior to licensure is a bachelor's degree, with no specific coursework in health. Prospective high school teachers must earn a bachelor's degree with at least 24 semester hours of health coursework, which is the equivalent of a minor. The specific details of initial licensure are outlined in State Board of Education Regulations R 43-51 (2003) and R 43-62 (2004).

Pre-service Requirement: The minimum requirement for prospective physical education teachers is a bachelor's degree, certification at the early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or preK-12 level, minimum qualifying score on the content area examination, and 30 semester hours in physical education coursework. Details of licensure are outlined in State Board of Education Regulation R 43-62 (2004) and the South Carolina Teacher Certification Manual (2003).

Professional Development: Code 59-10-50 (2005) requires physical education teachers in a school that receives an unsatisfactory program effectiveness score to be provided professional development activities to assist in improving its programs' effectiveness.

Student-to-Teacher Ratio: Beginning in the 2006-07 school year, per Code 59-10-20 (2005), there must be a 700:1 ratio in elementary schools. Beginning in the 2007-08 school year, there must be a 600:1 ratio in elementary schools. Beginning in the 2008-09 school year, there must be a 500:1 ratio in elementary schools.

 Pre-service Requirement: Nurse Practice Act Codes 40-33-42 (2004) and 91-1.A (2004) state, "An advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse is responsible for the delegation and supervision of nursing tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel. Tasks that may be assigned to unlicensed assistive personnel must be stated in the employers' policies, and the employer shall verify the training of this personnel and their competencies to perform the tasks." This policy is supported and expounded upon by the Position Statement - The Practice of Nursing in a School Setting (2001). 

Professional Development Requirement: Nurse Practice Act Codes 40-33-42 and 91-1.A state, "An advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse is responsible for the delegation and supervision of nursing tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel. Tasks that may be assigned to unlicensed assistive personnel must be stated in the employers' policies, and the employer shall verify the training of this personnel and their competencies to perform the tasks". This policy is supported and expounded upon by the Position Statement - The Practice of Nursing in a School Setting.

Professional Development Requirement: None specified. 

Pre-service Requirement: State Board of Education Regulation R 43-64 (2004) requires school guidance counselors to have a minimum of a masters degree, completion of a State Board of Education approved advanced school counselor preparation program, and a minimum qualifying score on the area examination required by the State Board. Details for licensure are also outlined in the South Carolina Teacher Certification Manual (2008).

Statute 59-59-100 requires middle and high schools to provide students with the services of a career specialist who has obtained a bachelor's degree and has completed the national Global Career Development Certification.

Student-to-Counselor Ratio: Statute 59-59-100 requires middle and high schools to have a student-to-guidance personnel ratio of 300:1. State Board of Education Regulation 43-205 specifies ratios for schools with less than 600 students, and requires that schools with more than 500 students employ one full-time certified counselor, and those with more than 500 students must provide guidance services at the ratio of one 50-minute period for every 100 or major portion thereof.

Pre-service Requirement: State Board of Education Regulation R 43-64 requires school psychologists to have a minimum of a master's degree, completion of a State Board of Education approved advanced school psychologist preparation program, and a minimum qualifying score on the area examination required by the State Board. Details for licensure are also outlined in the South Carolina Teacher Certification Manual (2003).

Professional Development Requirement: None specified.

Student-to-Psychologist Ratio: The Safe Schools Task Force Report recommends a 1000:1 ratio.

Pre-service Requirement: Code 40-63-30 (no date available) requires all social workers to be state licensed. A Baccalaureate Social Worker, per Code 40-63-220 (no date available), must have a bachelor's degree in social work from a nationally accredited social work program, be at least 21 years old, be of good moral character, and successfully passed an exam prescribed by the licensing board. Details for licensure are also outlined in the South Carolina Teacher Certification Manual (2003).

Student-to-Social Worker Ratio: The Safe Schools Task Force Report recommends a 500:1 ratio.

Professional Development Requirement: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: None specified.

Professional Development: None specified.

Pre-service Requirement: None specified.

Professional Development: None specified.

Additional Accountability Requirements: Code 59-10-330 (2005) requires each school district to establish and maintain a Coordinated School Health Advisory Council (CSHAC). The CSHAC is required to assess, plan, implement, and monitor district and school health policies and programs, including the development of a district wellness policy. Also, districts must collaborate with the CSHAC to develop a school health improvement plan that addresses strategies for improving student nutrition, health, and physical activity. This plan must in turn be included in the five-year strategic improvement plan required of every district.

Additional Content Requirements: None

Guidance Materials: The Department of Education Recommendations for Improving Student Nutrition and Physical Activity, Report of the SDE Task Force on Student Nutrition and Physical Activity provides recommendations for policy and information that address Section 204 requirements (though the report was created just prior to the passage of Section 204).

Other: None

Food Services: Code 59-10-310 (2005) requires the State Board of Education to establish requirements for elementary food service meals and competitive foods based on the recommendations of the State Department of Education Task Force on Student Nutrition and Physical Activity Report, the National School Lunch Act, and the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The State Board of Education Regulation R43-168 (2006) outlines requirements for school food service meals, including provision of low-fat meal and beverage choices, provision of calorie, fat and serving size information, and provision of fruit, vegetable and whole grain selection with meals.

Code 59-10-320 (2005) requires the State Department of Education to make available to each district a coordinated school health model to address children's health issues, including nutrition services.

Code 59-10-350 (2005) requires each elementary school to provide at least 20 minutes for lunch once students have received their food. Total length for the lunch period must account for travel time to and from the cafeteria, time to go through the line, and time to bus trays.

Code 59-10-330 (2005) requires each school district, with the Coordinated School Health Advisory Council (CSHAC), to develop a school health improvement plan that addresses strategies for improving student nutrition and must be included in the district's strategic plan.

Adequate Time to Eat: Code 59-10-350 requires elementary schools to provide 20 minutes to eat their lunch once they have received their food.

School Breakfast: Code 59-63-790 (no date available) requires each school district to implement in each school a nutritional, well-balanced school breakfast program. 

Food Allergies: No state policy.

Farm-to-School: No state policy.

Vending Machines/School Stores:  Code 59-10-330 requires each school board of trustees to establish health and nutrition policies for its elementary schools aimed at limiting vending sales and sales of food and beverages with minimal nutritional value at any time during the school day except in the case of medical emergency and special occasions celebrated during school hours. This policy does not restrict the food a parent or guardian may provide his child's consumption at school. Code 59-10-340 (2005) mandates that each CSHAC determine which snacks may be sold in vending machines in elementary schools. 

Other Food Sales: State Board of Education Regulation R43-168 (2006) established the following nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold outside of school meals for grades K-5. 

• Low-fat, fat-free and 2% milk, water and 100% juices that do not contain added sweeteners must be available to all students.
• Sodas, soft drinks, sport drinks, punches, iced teas and coffees and fruit-based drinks that contain less than 100% fruit juice or that contain added sweeteners may not be sold during the school day.
• Only water, non-fat, low-fat or reduced-fat milk may be sold in portions larger than 12 ounces.
• Snacks, sweets and side dishes (excluding seeds, nuts, and some cheese) may have no more than 30% calories from fat, less than 10% calories from saturated fat, no more than ~1% calories from trans fat, and no more than 35% added sugars by weight.
• Not sell or serve the following beverages to students until after the last regularly scheduled class: 
  soda, soft drinks, sports drinks, punches, iced teas and coffees, and fruit-based drinks that contain less
  than 100 percent real fruit juice or that contain added sweeteners.

Code 59-10-380 (2005) states that there is no limitation or prohibition on the sale or distribution of any food or beverage item through fundraisers by the students, teachers, or groups when the items are intended for sale off the school campus."

School Gardening: No state policy.

General Physical Activity Requirement: Code 59-10-10 (2005) mandates that students in grades K-5 must be provided with at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week beginning in the 2006-07 school year. Code 59-10-330 (2005) requires each school district, with the CSHAC, to develop a school health improvement plan that addresses strategies for improving student physical activity and must be included in the district's strategic plan.

Recess or Physical Activity Breaks: The Position Statement on School Recess of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness recommends that schools allot time each day for supervised recess for elementary students. It also states that recess should not be denied as a form of punishment.

Recess Before Lunch: No state policy.

Walking/Biking to School: Code 59-17-150 (2004) requires municipal and county governing bodies to work with school districts to identify barriers and hazards to children walking or bicycling to and from school.  These governing bodies may then develop a plan for the funding of improvements, with the sources of funds to include federal funding or grants and state or private funding. It encourages each school district to establish a Safe Routes to School District Coordinating Committee and Safe Routes to School Team to include parents, children, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement officials, public health officials and interested citizens. Functions of the committee and team are outlined in the statute. It also designates the first Wednesday of October as Walk or Bicycle with Your Child to School Day" in each school district.

Interscholastic Athletics: State Board of Education Regulation R 43-244 (1980) prohibits schools serving grades 1-6 from providing competitive sports "of a varsity pattern with scheduled league games and championships." State Board of Education Regulation R 43-244.1 (1988) and Code 59-39-160 (no date available) outline the academic requirements for students in grades 9-12 to participate in interscholastic activities.

Concussion and Sports-Related Head injury: No state policy.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED): HB3723 (2008) requires each school to develop and implement an AED program for each high school in the district. The program must  require an operational AED on the grounds of the high school, require all persons expected to use the AED to receive the appropriate training. It also provides for immunity from civil liability for the use of an automated external defibrillator unless the person was grossly negligent in the use.

Code 59-17-135 requires schools to provide for the safest environment possible for students to learn. Regulation R 43-279 (1991) sets the minimum student code of conduct standards that are to be implemented by local school districts. Code 59-10-320 (2005) requires the State Department of Education to make available to each district a coordinated school health model to address children's health issues, including safe and healthy environment.

Fighting/Gangs: State Board of Education Regulation R 43-279 categorizes fighting as disruptive conduct level II and should be given consequences accordingly.

Weapons: State Board of Education Regulation R 43-279 categorizes the possession, use or transfer of dangerous weapons as disruptive conduct level III and should be given consequences accordingly. Code 59-63-235 (no date available) requires district school boards to expel for at least one year students found to have brought a firearm to a school or any setting under the jurisdiction of a local board of trustees. District boards must also adopt a policy requiring the referral of such students to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Drugs and Alcohol: State Board of Education Regulation R 43-279 categorizes the possession or use of unauthorized substances as a disruptive conduct level II and should be given consequences accordingly. The furnishing, selling, or possession of unauthorized substances or controlled substances, including narcotics and drugs, is categorized as a disruptive conduct level III and should be given consequences accordingly. 

Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Code 59-63-140 encourages schools and districts to establish bullying prevention programs and other initiatives involving law enforcement.

Bullying/Harassment: Code 59-63-120 (2005) defines harassment, intimidation, or bullying "as a gesture, an electronic communication, or a written, verbal, physical or sexual act that is reasonably perceived to have the effect of (a) harming a student physically or emotionally or damaging a student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of personal harm or property damage; or (b) insulting or demeaning a student or group of students causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school."

Code 59-63-130 (2005), prohibits anyone from harassing, intimidating, and bullying another person.  In addition, the Code stipulates that a person may not engage in reprisal, retaliation or false accusation against a victim, witness, or one with reliable information about an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying."

Code 59-63-140 (2005) requires school districts to adopt policies prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying at school and encourages them to establish bullying prevention programs and other initiatives.  To assist school districts in this process, the State Board of Education developed a Model Policy Prohibiting Harassment, Intimidation or Bullying.

Code 59-63-150 (2005) states that school employee or volunteer who promptly reports an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying to the appropriate school official designated by the local school district's policy is immune from a cause from action for damages arising from failure to remedy a reported incident

The Codes cited above can be referenced in the Safe School Climate Act (2005).

H4758 (2008) allows a high school student who is the victim of physical abuse, harassment, or stalking by a classmate during school hours or otherwise resulting in a restraining order to transfer with the consent of the student's school district to another high school within or out of the district within thirty school days of the restraining order being violated, without any loss of eligibility to participate in interscholastic activities at the school to which the student transfers.

Cyberbullying: Code 59-63-120 (2005) defines harassment, intimidation, or bullying "as a gesture, an electronic communication, or a written, verbal, physical or sexual act that is reasonably perceived to have the effect of (a) harming a student physically or emotionally or damaging a student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of personal harm or property damage; or (b) insulting or demeaning a student or group of students causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school." With this definition, Code, 59-63-130 (2005) prohibits anyone from harassing, intimidating, and bullying another person.

Hazing: Code 59-63-275 (no date available) prohibits hazing at all public educational institutions. Student violation of this code may result in dismissal, expulsion, suspension, or other punishment as deemed appropriate by the principal.

Response and Management Plans: State Board of Education Regulation R 43-166 (1997) requires emergency and disaster plans be developed by each school. The State Department of Education must also create a Model Safe Schools Checklist, which includes a comprehensive safety plan, to be used by public school districts.

The Unsafe School Choice Option of the NCLB Act (2003) also requires districts to report all school-level violent crimes to the State Department of Education.

Reporting Incidents of Violence: Code 59-63-130 (2004) requires school employees, students, and volunteers to report any reliable information about an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying to an appropriate school official. Code 59-63-140 (2004) requires school districts to adopt policies for reporting harassment, intimidation, or bullying at school. A provision for reporting such acts anonymously must also be included.

Code 44-95-20 (1996) deems it unlawful to smoke or possess lighted smoking material in public school or preschools where regular kindergarten, elementary, or secondary classes are held.

Code 59-67-150 (1962) prohibits any person from smoking any cigar, cigarette, pipe, tobacco or other substance in a school bus during the time of operation.

No state policy.

No state policy.

Regulation 61-42, Section XVI (no date available) requires playground equipment to be maintained to protect the public's health and prevent hazards to students' health.

Vision and Hearing: No state policy.

Chronic Health Conditions: The School Health Program Manual (1997) [no link available] recommends that students with chronic health deficits to be identified upon enrollment and by annual health status updates. 

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

Staff Administration: No state policy.

Self-Administration of Asthma Medication: Code 59-63-80 (2005) requires each school district to adopt a policy, "requiring that students with special health care needs have individual health care plans."  The plans must provide for the "authorization of a student to self-monitor and self-administer medication as prescribed by the student's health care provider unless there is sufficient evidence that unsupervised self-monitoring or self-medicating would seriously jeopardize the safety of the student or others." This policy must include a requirement that the parent or legal guardian to provide the school with written authorization for the student to self-monitor and self-administer medication from themselves and the student's health care practitioner.  The statements must be kept on-file in the school nurses' office or that of the school administrator. A requirement for the authorization to possess on his person and administer while in school, on school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, in transit to or from school or school sponsored activities, or during before-school or after-school activities on school operated property is also required.

Self-Administration of Anaphylaxis Medication: Code 59-63-80 (2005) requires each school district to adopt a policy, "requiring that students with special health care needs have individual health care plans."  The plans must provide for the "authorization of a student to self-monitor and self-administer medication as prescribed by the student's health care provider unless there is sufficient evidence that unsupervised self-monitoring or self-medicating would seriously jeopardize the safety of the student or others." This policy must include a requirement that the parent or legal guardian to provide the school with written authorization for the student to self-monitor and self-administer medication from themselves and the student's health care practitioner.  The statements must be kept on-file in the school nurses' office or that of the school administrator. A requirement for the authorization to possess on his person and administer while in school, on school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, in transit to or from school or school sponsored activities, or during before-school or after-school activities on school operated property is also required.

Psychotropic Medications: No state policy.

Storage and Record-keeping: No state policy.

Medical Emergencies: Regulation 61-42, Section XII (no date available) requires there be at least one full-time staff member or volunteer certified in both first-aid and CPR by the American Red Cross, and capable of recognizing the symptoms of distress.

Requirement to Provide Services: No specific policy; however, Code 59-10-320 (2005) requires the State Department of Education to make available to each district a coordinated school health model to address children's health issues, including guidance and health.

Suicide Prevention: No state policy.

Substance Abuse: No state policy.

Identification of Students with Mental or Emotional Disorders: No state policy.

HIV, STD, and Pregnancy Testing and Counseling: The Comprehensive Health Education Act Code 59-32-30 prohibits school authorities from providing abortion counseling in schools. Code 59-1-405 (no date available) prohibits the distribution of a contraceptive device or contraceptive medication in or on school grounds of any public elementary or secondary schools. Further, no school may contract with a contraceptive provider for their distribution in or on school grounds.

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 44-29-180 (no date available) allows for exemption from immunization requirements upon presentation of a South Carolina Certificate of Medical or Religious Exemption.  Medical contraindication must be noted by an individual licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy on the South Carolina Certificate of Immunization. A Certificate of Religious Exemption may be granted to any student whose parents, parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis signs the appropriate section of the South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption stating that they are members of a recognized religious denomination in which the tenets and practices of the religious denomination conflict with immunizations.

Contagious and Infectious Diseases:

Code 44-29-200 (no date available) allows any board of education to limit or prohibit the attendance of any employee at any school or school-related activity. This decision must be based on "sound medical evidence" and receipt of a satisfactory certificate is required before a prohibition or restriction is lifted.

Contagious and Infectious Diseases: Code 44-29-200 allows any board of education to limit or prohibit the attendance of any student at any school or school-related activity. This decision must be based on "sound medical evidence" and receipt of a satisfactory certificate is required before a prohibition or restriction is lifted.

No state policy.

Code 59-63-80 (2005) requires each school district to adopt a policy, "requiring that students with special health care needs have individual health care plans".

The School Health Program Manual (1997) [no link available] recommends that each student have appropriate school health records that record the general health status, emergency information, and routine services for every student upon school entry. More specifically, an individual healthcare plan is to be developed for students with a disability or chronic condition.

State-level: No state policy.

Local-level: Code 59-32-30 and the School Health Program Manual (1997) [no link available] require each local school board to appoint a 13 member advisory committee, consisting of 2 parents, 3 clergy, 2 health professionals, 2 teachers, 2 students, and 2 other persons not employed by the school district, to assist in selecting components and curriculum in reproductive health education, family life education, and pregnancy prevention education. 

Code 59-10-330 (2005) requires each school district to establish and maintain a Coordinated School Health Advisory Council (CSHAC) to assess, plan, implement, and monitor district and school health policies and programs, including the development of a district wellness policy to be implemented in the 2006-07 school year. This council is to be composed of members of the community, school representatives, students, parents, district food service employees, and school board members.

State-level: No state policy.

Local-level: Code 59-10-30 (2005) requires each elementary school to designate a physical education teacher to serve as its Physical Education Activity Director. This Director must plan and coordinate opportunities for additional physical activity for students that exceed the mandated weekly amount.

Student Health-Related Records: The School Health Program Manual (1997) [no link available] recommends school health records of a student or employee to remain confidential. Code 20-7-690 (no date available) requires all records and information collected concerning child abuse and neglect remain confidential. Violation of this policy is a misdemeanor offense.

School Health-Related Services: Code 19-11-95 (no date available) requires mental health providers, including nurses, counselor, and social workers, to keep confidential all communications except where the law requires or allows for disclosure.

No state policy.