Home and Hospital Teaching in Maryland: A Guide for Families and Districts
When a Maryland student can't attend school because of a physical or emotional condition, the school system must keep their education going through Home and Hospital Teaching. Maryland's rules are clearer than many states': they set who can verify the need, a start deadline, and minimum weekly hours.
Quick answer: Maryland requires local school systems to provide Home and Hospital Teaching to public school students who can't attend school because of a verified physical or emotional condition. Instruction must start no later than 10 school calendar days after the school system is notified and receives verification, with at least 6 hours per week for full-day students and 3 hours for half-day students.
New to the process? Start with our complete guide to homebound instruction.
What the rules say
Home and Hospital Teaching is governed by the Code of Maryland Regulations, chapter 13A.03.05, Administration of Home and Hospital Teaching for Students. Instruction can take place during recovery or treatment in a medical institution or therapeutic treatment center, at the student's home, or both.
Who qualifies
Students enrolled in a Maryland public school who can't attend their school of enrollment because of a verified physical or emotional condition.
Students whose condition causes intermittent absences, who may receive instruction concurrently while staying enrolled in school.
Who verifies the need
Physical condition: a licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner.
Emotional condition: a certified school psychologist, licensed psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist.
The parent or guardian submits a statement from that practitioner saying the condition prevents the student from attending their school of enrollment.
How quickly instruction must start
The school system must begin instruction as soon as possible, and no later than 10 school calendar days after it is notified that the student can't attend school and receives the verification.
Minimum instruction hours
Full-day program: at least 6 hours of instruction per week.
Half-day program: at least 3 hours per week.
Instruction can be delivered directly, including through virtual instruction.
Reverification and students with IEPs
Services continue only with reverification every 60 days, or sooner if the parent, guardian, or school system asks. Students receiving concurrent instruction for intermittent absences need annual reverification. For a student with a disability who is placed at home because of an emotional condition, the home placement generally may not exceed 60 consecutive school days.
A checklist for families
Tell the school right away that your child can't attend.
Ask the right practitioner (see above) to complete your school system's verification form.
Note the date you submit it: the 10-school-day clock starts from notice and verification.
Confirm the weekly hours, subjects, teacher, and start date in writing.
If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, ask how services and accommodations will continue.
Calendar the 60-day reverification date.
For school systems: meeting the 10-day deadline
The 10-school-day start and weekly minimums are hard to meet when teachers are already stretched. See how to staff homebound instruction.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of home and hospital teaching does Maryland require?
At least 6 hours of instruction per week for a student in a full-day program and at least 3 hours per week for a student in a half-day program.
How quickly must a Maryland school system start home and hospital teaching?
As soon as possible, and no later than 10 school calendar days after the school system is notified that the student can't attend school and receives verification of the need.
Who can verify a student's need for home and hospital teaching in Maryland?
For a physical condition, a licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner. For an emotional condition, a certified school psychologist, licensed psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist.
How Einstein Tutoring can help
Einstein Tutoring partners with school districts and treatment facilities to provide in-person homebound and hospital instruction by certified teachers, with virtual options when they fit better. Placement usually takes under 5 days, often within 3. Learn about our home and hospital instruction services or call (617) 600-5944.
Sources: MSDE Home and Hospital Teaching fact sheet; COMAR 13A.03.05.03. This article is general information, not legal advice. Check with MSDE and your school system for current requirements.
Comments