Medical Homebound

The district offers homebound instruction for students who cannot attend school because of accident, illness, or pregnancy. To be considered for medical homebound, a licensed physician, licensed mental health professional, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must complete the Medical Homebound Application certifying that the student is unable to attend school even with transportation but may profit from instruction given in the home or hospital. All teachers providing medical homebound instruction hold a valid South Carolina teacher’s certificate.

Parents/guardians may request the Medical Homebound Application through the Department of Special Services. After a physician has completed the Medical Homebound Application, the parent/guardian should submit the form to the Department of Special Services located at 420 Hendrix Street, Lexington, SC 29072. Alternatively, the completed form may be scanned and emailed to homebound@lexington1.net. 

Students approved for full-time homebound services will be provided, at a minimum, five hours of homebound instruction per week. There is no limit to the amount of instruction that may be provided, and the number of hours to be provided will be based on the student’s individual need regardless of full-time or intermittent status and at the district’s discretion. 

For mental health conditions, medical homebound is not initially approved for more than 45 calendar days. If the mental health diagnosis indicates that medical homebound instruction will be needed for more than the initial 45-day period, an extension may be requested. At that time, parents/guardians will be advised to make arrangements for a licensed mental health professional to develop a treatment plan and strategy for reentry into the school environment, which will accompany the new Medical Homebound Application. Students requiring more than 45 days for mental health conditions may also consider alternative educational settings, such as homeschooling or non-district virtual school options. 

A Medical Homebound Application completed by a physician does not guarantee approval. Parents/guardians have a right to an appeal if they disagree with the district’s decision but are encouraged to first discuss their concerns informally with the District Homebound Coordinator before invoking formal appeal procedures. To initiate a formal appeal, parents/guardians should request an appeal form (i.e., a fillable PDF) by emailing homebound@lexington1.net. The appeal must be made within five (5) school days following notification of the district’s decision. A review will be conducted within 30 calendar days, and parents will be notified in writing of the results. Decisions made by the Executive Director of Special Services are considered final.