MARTINSVILLE — The MSD of Martinsville school board just made taking care of sick children a lot easier for the next school year.

The board unanimously approved a medical telehealth services agreement with Nurses Direct Connect at its meeting last Thursday. 

Now, when a student goes to the school nurse, the child can receive health services remotely via iPad rather than requiring a parent to leave work and pick them up to take them to the doctor. If a student is determined healthy, they can return to class without additional logistical requirements.

Nurses Direct Connect can submit healthcare claims to Medicaid and provides a cash option of $45 per visit. Additionally, contracts are underway to submit payments to Anthem.

The agreement between the district and Nurses Direct Connect is for the 2024-2025 school year and will automatically renew for the next year unless the district terminates the contract.

In other business

• The board recognized several students and student organizations at the start of the meeting. Martinsville High School senior Gabby Grubb was recognized for her achievements at the state gymnastics competition, capping her career at MHS. Additionally, the MHS dance team, the Quiz Bowl team and the academic decathlon team were honored by the board.
• This is the last board meeting before the solar eclipse on April 8. Superintendent Eric Bowlen reminded the public that April 8 will be an asynchronous e-learning day, and April 9 will be a synchronous e-learning day.

~ By Jared Quigg | Reporter | Published March 21, 2024 in The Morgan County Correspondent