In July 2012, ISBE amended its regulations addressing the qualifications required for an individual to conduct medical reviews and make recommendations based on the findings of medical reviews. Medical reviews are conducted as part of the special education evaluation or reevaluation process when the team determines that health is a domain that may affect the student’s educational performance. ISBE recently provided guidance on the requirements of the new regulation and how they will impact school districts.

Under the current version of the regulation, which remains in effect until June 30, 2013, a Certified School Nurse (CSN), physician, Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) or Registered Nurse (RN) can conduct a medical review. Beginning July 1, 2013, the new regulation provides that a CSN, physician, or APN can still conduct medical reviews, but an RN can only do so if he or she has a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, only a CSN will be able to make educational recommendations based on the medical review.