JLCA-PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OF STUDENTS
File: JLCA
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS OF STUDENTS
The MSAD #11 Board is aware of the relationship between student health and success in school. Recognizing that parents/guardians bear the major responsibility for attending to the health needs of their children and that the school system has an interest in the well-being of its students, the MSAD #11 Board adopts the following policy.
A. Physical Examinations and Screenings
Parents/guardians shall be encouraged to have their children physically examined prior to entering school. Dental examinations shall also be encouraged.
Vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings will be conducted as required by Maine law. Parents will be notified of any suspected health problems identified through screening.
School staff are encouraged to be alert to the general well-being of students and should refer any concerns to the building principal.
B. Participation in Athletics
Students who wish to participate in middle school or high school athletics are required to have a physical examination and medical approval before doing so. The physical examination must have been given within 90 days prior to participation. Thereafter, students participating in athletics must have a physical examination on a schedule recommended by their health care provider, but not less frequently than once every two years. A student will not be allowed to participate in practice or competition without the required physical examination and medical approval.
C. Parental Consent
Parent/guardian consent shall be required for physical examinations if given by the school physician or under the auspices of the school.
Parents/guardians and eligible students (students 18 years of age or older) shall be notified annually and have the opportunity to opt the student out of any non-emergency, invasive, physical examination or screening that is:
1. Required as a condition of attendance;
2. Administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance; and
3. Not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, or of other students.
For the purpose of this policy, “invasive physical examination” means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision or scoliosis screening.
[NOTE: The two paragraphs immediately above reflect requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act; see 20 U.S.C. § 1232h(c).]
Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 6402-A, 6451-6453
20 U.S.C. § 1232h(c)
Cross Reference: JLCB - Immunization of Students
Adopted: January 8, 2009