A. This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma Certified Healthy Schools Act".
B. The State Department of Health shall establish and maintain a program for the voluntary certification of schools that promotes wellness, encourages the adoption of healthy behaviors, and establishes safe and supportive environments.
C. The program shall recognize three levels of certification as follows:
1. Basic certification;
2. Merit certification; and
3. Excellence certification.
D. The Department shall develop criteria for certification, which, at a minimum, may include the following for each level of certification:
1. Basic certification: The school shall meet at least two criteria in each of the components of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Coordinated School Health Program model;
2. Merit certification: The school shall meet at least three criteria in each of the components of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Coordinated School Health Program model; and
3. Excellence certification: The school shall meet at least four criteria in each of the components of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Coordinated School Health Program model.
E. Subject to available funding specifically appropriated for this purpose, the Department may provide a monetary reward to schools that earn certification as follows:
1. Basic certification: Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00);
2. Merit certification: Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00); and
3. Excellence certification: Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00).
F. Schools that obtain a reward pursuant to subsection E of this section shall use the funds for the enhancement of wellness activities and the promotion of healthy environments. Such activities may include, but are not limited to:
1. Improving playgrounds;
2. Purchasing sports equipment; and
3. Equipping school kitchens for healthy cooking.
G. The Department shall develop an online application form for schools seeking to become an Oklahoma Certified Healthy School.
H. The State Board of Health, giving consideration to the recommendations of the Advancement of Wellness Advisory Council created in Section 44 of this act, may promulgate rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
Added by Laws 2010, c. 217, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2010. Amended by Laws 2013, c. 229, § 74, eff. Nov. 1, 2013.