Health Screenings
Health Screenings
MA DPH mandated screenings are performed as follows and parents will be notified if medical follow-up with their child's healthcare provider is needed:
Vision-- Grades PK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9
Hearing-- Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, 9
Height, Weight, and BMI-- Grades 1, 4, 7, 10
SBIRT (see below)-- Grades 7 and 9
Scoliosis-- Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
We recognize that some parent(s)/guardian(s) may prefer to have screenings performed by a physician. Parents and guardians can request, in writing, that their child’s screenings not be conducted in the school setting. This documentation must be received annually with the specific screening you are requesting to opt-out from. If choosing this option, the following information must be provided for that specific screening:
Hearing & Vision: Copy of the screening results from a Health Care Provider for the current school year.
Height, Weight: Copy of the screening results from a Health Care Provider for the current school year.
Scoliosis: Copy of the screening results from a Health Care Provider for the current school year or documentation that the student is under care for scoliosis.
For students with complex or multiple disabilities (Special Health Care Needs) whose disability or behavior prevents them from performing a standard screening, documentation of a comprehensive eye examination performed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist indicating any pertinent diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, recommendation, and evidence of follow-up treatment (if necessary) shall be provided.
For further details of MA DPH regulations regarding school screenings, click on the link below:
SBIRT in Schools
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) focuses on prevention, early detection, risk assessment, brief counseling, and referral for assessment that can be utilized in the school setting. The use of a validated screening tool enables school health teams to detect students at risk for substance use-related problems. If necessary, brief intervention strategies help to address these concerns at an early stage in adolescents.
SBIRT is conducted in grades 7 and 9. Parents and guardians who choose not to have their child participate in this program need to return an opt-out form to the school nurse (see links below). For more information regarding SBIRT, please visit https://www.masbirt.org/schools.