JLCA Physical Examinations of Students

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF STUDENTS

Every student will be examined for screenings* according to requirements and regulations set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). School screenings are intended to supplement, not supplant, oversight of care by the student’s primary care provider (PCP). Families will be notified whenever a student does not meet the minimum standards of the screening to facilitate timely follow up by the student’s PCP. For students who are referred to their PCP for vision concerns and/or diagnosed with a neuro-developmental delay, evidence of a comprehensive eye exam shall be provided to the School Health Office. A written plan will be developed by the school nurse if a student does not pass the vision or hearing screenings.

Every student will provide documentation of a general physical examination by their PCP within one year prior to entrance to school or within 30 days after school entry at intervals of either three or four years thereafter, typically grades 4, 7, and 10. Any student who does not have access to medical services because of a hardship may contact the Wayland Health Department for assistance with obtaining a physical free of charge. 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. Every reasonable effort shall be made to link such students with a PCP. The results of examinations will be a basis for determining what corrective measures or modifications of school activities, if any, should be recommended. A record of all examinations and recommendations will be kept.

Every candidate for a school athletic team will present the signed (electronic) consent of parent or guardian in order to participate on a squad and will provide documentation of a current physical examination (done within the last 13 months). Documentation of this physical examination will comply with State regulations, to indicate the fitness of the student to participate in school athletics and signed by the PCP. This updated physical exam document will be provided to the School Health Office.

Whenever the Community Health Nurse within the school finds a child suffering from disease or medical problem, nursing judgment will be utilized to determine the best method of parent/guardian contact. This information will be kept within the student’s Electronic Health Record (EHR).

The school physician shall provide consultation to the school health program administered through the Wayland Health Department. Consultation includes interpretation and assistance to the Community Health Nurses working with students, family, and staff to enable all children to obtain full benefit of educational opportunities. Reasonable measures for the control of communicable disease will be in place.

The Community Health Nurse maintains student health related data and complies with all State regulations to maintain the health and safety of students. Lack of compliance with this health policy may result in a student being excluded from the school environment. This includes school related athletics and activities before and after the school day.

The district will adhere to all requirements related to 105 CMR 200.

*NOTE: Department of Health Regulations call for vision screenings in the year of school entry, annually in grades K-5, once between grades 6-8, and once in grades 9-12; hearing screenings in the year of entry, annually from grades K-3, once in grades 6-8, and once in grades 9-12; BMI in grades 1, 4, 7, 10; postural screenings annually from grades 5-9.

SOURCE: MASC

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:53; 71:54; 71:56; 71:57

105 CMR 200

CROSS REF.: JF, School Admissions

Approved by School Committee: August 21, 2017