Relating to students in hospital educational programs.

School support for hospitalized students

Oregon pays for and oversees hospital education programs for students through age 21. Eligible sites include state-operated hospitals, Oregon Health and Science University hospitals and clinics, and qualifying private hospitals. Private hospitals must not be psychiatric facilities and must meet all three tests: accept patients statewide, provide specialized intensive treatment for children with severe, uncommon disabling conditions, and admit children expecting long or frequent hospital stays. The Superintendent of Public Instruction works with hospital authorities under State Board of Education rules and makes final hospital funding decisions. The state pays education costs through contracts with the hospital's local school district; hospitals cover transportation, care, treatment, and medical expenses. The local district provides instruction directly, through an adjacent district, or through the education service district serving the program or a neighboring one. Payments go to the local district or, at its choice, the district providing instruction. Students stay enrolled in their home district to keep access to classroom lessons and related technology.