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South Carolina’s mandates regarding medical homebound instruction appear in State Board of Education Regulation 43–241. Put in the simplest terms, R 43–241 defines “homebound instruction” as teaching that is offered to the student who has an acute or chronic medical condition that prevents him or her from attending classes at school, takes place “in a room especially set aside for the period of instruction,” and is conducted by an individual who holds a South Carolina teacher’s certificate.

Specifically, Regulation 43–241 says that students who cannot attend public school because of illness, accident, or pregnancy, even with the aid of transportation, are eligible for medical homebound instruction. A physician must certify that the student is unable to attend school but may profit from instruction given in the home. Any student participating in a program of medical homebound instruction must be approved by the district superintendent or his or her designee on standardized forms provided by the State Department of Education. All approved forms must be maintained by the district for documentation.

Medical homebound instruction is a service that is available for students who cannot attend school for a medical reason.

• A physician must certify that the student has such a medical condition but may benefit from instruction and must fill out the medical homebound form that the school district provides. The form for Medical Homebound can be picked up from the school or by contacting sgentry@scvcs.org
• The school leader then decides whether to approve the student for medical homebound services
• The school will consider the severity of the student’s illness or injury, the length of time that the student will be out of school, the impact that a long period away from school will have on the student’s academic success, and whether the student’s health needs can be met at school virtually.

The goal of homebound medical homebound instruction is to provide continuity of instruction and to facilitate the student’s return to a regular school setting as quickly as possible. State Board of Education Regulation 43-241 outlines the provision of medical homebound services.

For further information please contact:

Stephanie Gentry, Coordinator of Exceptional Children, at 803-253-6222, or email sgentry@scvcs.org