DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O.
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 154
August 3, 2007
INFORMATIONAL
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Billy K.
Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
New School
Entrance Physical Examination Form (MCH 213F) |
As the
2007-2008 school year begins, I want to take the opportunity to provide you
with information regarding the new School Entrance Physical Examination Form
(MCH 213F).
The Virginia
Department of Health (VDH), in collaboration with the Virginia Chapter of the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Virginia Department of Education, and
other stakeholders, has revised the school entrance physical exam form (MCH
213F). The form is used to document the physical examination required for entry
into public kindergarten or elementary school, as required by the Code of Virginia at 22.1-270. The MCH 213F can be found at the
following website: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/Health/home.html.
The form is divided into three parts: Part I documents the childs health history, and is to be completed
by the parent or other responsible adult; Part II certifies the students
immunization status; and Part III documents the comprehensive physical exam.
The immunization certification and the physical exam are to be completed by the
attending physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
The Recommendations to School section is the
clinicians opportunity to summarize findings of note for school personnel
receiving and reviewing the completed form. Specific areas include allergies,
care plans needed, dietary needs, physical activity limitations or
accommodations, and developmental status.
The intent of the school entry physical exam is to
protect the public health and assist the school in preparing for the needs of
the individual child. Therefore, Part I, Part II, and, at a minimum, the
Recommendations to School section of Part III must be completed in full in
order for the child to be admitted to school without delay.
Pursuant to the Code
of Virginia at 22.1-270, students shall not be permitted to attend school
without documentation of a comprehensive physical exam performed within the 12
months prior to the date the student enters public kindergarten or elementary
school. The Code does not extend a grace period for complying with this
regulation. Two exceptions exist to this requirement: homeless students and
those whose parent objects due to religious belief. Homeless students are to be
enrolled and immediately referred to the local school division homeless liaison
for assistance in complying with entrance requirements. Parents objecting to a
physical exam based upon religious belief must provide the school division with
a written statement that the child is in good health and free from communicable
or contagious disease.
Divisions may continue to accept physical
examinations reported on the MCH 213E. If school divisions choose to make
copies of the MCH 213F, the official color paper used by the VDH will be white.
Should you have further questions, please contact Tia Campbell, RN, BSN, NCSN, school health specialist, at 804-786-8671 or Tia.campbell@doe.virginia.gov
.