In order to be in compliance with requirements for school entry, you must prepare to submit the following records to the PACE registration nurse. Medical clearance from the nurse is needed in order to complete the registration process. Ongoing record review may require additional state-mandated documentation to complete your child's school health record.
Every student in public schools shall be separately and carefully examined by a duly licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, as follows:
(1) Within one year prior to entrance to school or within 30 days after school entry and at intervals of either three or four years thereafter. A student transferred from another school system shall be examined as an entering student. Health records transferred from the student's previous school may be used to determine compliance with this requirement
(2) Students under 16 and over 14 years of age requesting employment certificates
(3) Prior to a student's participation in competitive athletics, on an annual basis. Per the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) a physical exam covers the student-athlete for 13 months from the date of the exam.
Physical Exam results and physician's, physician assistant's, or nurse practitioner's recommendations need to be documented on a health record form approved by the Department of Public Health.
For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/regulations/105-CMR-20000-physical-examination-of-school-children
Every student is required to provide to the school nurse a completed Tuberculosis Risk Assessment, completed within one year prior to enrollment. In the case of identified risk factors, follow-up documentation is also required (i.e. negative results of a Tuberculin Test, lab testing results, or a health provider follow-up).
Massachusetts school immunization requirements are created under the authority of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and immunization records must be retained by schools for all students. For information on specific age/grade level requirements, please visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/immunization-requirements-for-school-entry-0/download
Exemptions
Only Medical and Religious exemptions are allowable in Massachusetts. Exemptions must be provided to the school nurse annually.
Medical exemptions come from the child's doctor and document a contraindication (the reason why an individual cannot medically receive a vaccine).
Religious exemptions come from the parent/guardian, and state in writing that a vaccine conflicts with a sincerely held religious belief.
For more information about Massachusetts laws about vaccination and immunizations, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-vaccination-immunization