Nursing Services in Schools Through Title V Designation
South Carolina, like other states, has struggled to provide and increase nursing services in the public schools. In 2002, our agency, which is the designated Federal Title V Agency for South Carolina, partnered with the SC Department of Education (DOE) and the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to designate local school districts as Title V entities. With a Title V designation, schools are exempt from the Medicaid free care rule and can bill nursing services for any Medicaid child, not just those with special needs.
The goals of Title V Designation are to:
- Improve access to health services for all children in school-based settings;
- Enhance the infrastructure and support system for school nurses so that children get quality nursing care;
- Provide links to other services within and through public health;
- Enhance reimbursement for nursing services by eliminating barriers to billing;
- Provide structural and financial support for additional school nurses, and
Maximize use of Medicaid dollars.
In September 2002, seven local school districts piloted the Title V Designation of Schools concept.
On January 2, 2003, Title V designation was opened to all school districts in the state.
As of July 2003, 60 out of 85 school districts have partnered with DHEC for Title V designation.
This unique partnership between DHEC, DOE, DHHS and local school districts should improve access to care and will allow more children to be healthy and ready to learn.
If you have any questions or comments about the information found on this page please contact Division of Women & Children's Services.
Phone: (803) 898-0767