Policy
7:275 Orders to Forgo Life-Sustaining Treatment
Written orders from parent(s)/guardian(s) to forgo life-sustaining treatment for their child or ward must be signed by the child’s physician and given to the Building Principal or Superintendent. This policy shall be interpreted in accordance with the Illinois Health Care Surrogate Act. (755 ILCS 40/1 et seq.)
Whenever an order to forgo life-sustaining treatment is received, the Superintendent shall convene a multi-disciplinary team that includes:
- The child, when appropriate;
- The child’s parent(s)/guardian(s);
- Other medical professionals, e.g., licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner;
- Local first responders for the building in which the child is assigned to attend school;
- The local nurse;
- Clergy, if requested by the child or his or her parent(s)/guardian(s);
- Other individuals to provide support to the child or his or her parent(s)/guardian(s);
- School personnel designated by the Superintendent.
The team shall determine guidelines to be used by school staff members in the event the child suffers a life-threatening episode at school or a school event.
The District personnel shall convey orders for forgo life-sustaining treatment to the appropriate emergency or healthcare provider.
Legal Reference(s):
Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health, 497 U.S. 261 (1990).
In re: C.A., a minor, 603 N.E.2d 1171 (Il. App. 1 Dist., 1992).
Date Adopted: November 23, 2004
Date Amended: October 3, 2017
