PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL HEALTH MANDATED HEALTH SCREENINGS

The following screenings are mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. These are considered screenings and are not to be a substitute for regular checkups with your pediatrician. School nurses perform the following screenings.

Height and Weight (BMI)

Checked annually in K through grade 12. The state mandated BMI (Body Mass Index) screening program has also been implemented for grades K–12.

Vision

Checked annually in K through grade 12. If you have a concern, suspect a visual problem, or your child has an existing visual condition you would like to discuss contact the school nurse at your child's school. If a student does not pass the visual screening a referral notice will be sent home.

Hearing

Checked in K, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11. If you have a concern, suspect a hearing problem, or would like to discuss an existing hearing problem with the school nurse please call our office. If a student does not pass the hearing screening a referral will be sent home.

Scoliosis

Screening is mandated for students in grades 6 and 7. The 6th grade scoliosis screening is generally done as part of the required 6th grade physical examination done either by your private pediatrician or, if requested, by our school physician. If a student does not pass the scoliosis screening a referral notice will be sent home.

Physical Examinations

Required for students entering K, 6th, and 11th grades. Be aware that your 6th grade student should have the Tdap and meningitis immunizations completed and documented on their 6th grade physical form. Always make a copy of completed physical exam forms for your own personal records. You will be notified when the school physician will be performing the physical examination at school. Only those students with written parental permission will be examined by the school physician.

Dental Examination

Required of students in grades K, 3, and 7. You will be notified when the school dentist will be performing the dental examination at school. Only those students with written parental permission will be examined by the school dentist. Please print and take along this dental form if you chose to see your private dentist.

What does a referral mean? If you received a referral form after any school screening or examination, it means that the screening or examination detected a possible problem and further evaluation by a professional health care provider is recommended. The referral form is to be completed by your private health care provider and returned to the school nurse.