- Section J: Students
JLCA - Physical Examinations of Students
The Board is aware of the relationship between student health and success in school. Recognizing that parents/guardians bear the major responsibility for the health needs of their children and that the school system has an interest in the health and safety of its students, the Board adopts the following policy.
A. Physical Examinations and Screenings
Parents/guardians shall be encouraged to have their children physically examined by a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant (“Licensed Healthcare Provider”) prior to initial enrollment in school and annually thereafter when insurance coverage allows, but not less frequently than once every two years. Dental examinations shall also be encouraged.
Documentation of the physical exam is required both (i) prior to initial enrollment in school and (ii) again when entering middle school. The physical exam must be current within a year of any required submission.
Vision and hearing screenings will be conducted as required by Maine law. Parents will be notified of any suspected health problems identified through screening.
School staff is encouraged to be alert to the medical well-being of students and should refer any medical concerns to the school nurse.
B. Participation in Athletics
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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 in accordance with the terms of the Athletic Handbook. The opt-out provisions of section C. below do not apply to physicals for participation in athletics.
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The pre-participation physical examination will include a “History” portion, which will establish a baseline of information regarding the athlete. The history portion should be completed online by the athlete and signed by the athlete’s parent or guardian each year. Each year the school nurse/athletic trainer will review the athlete’s preparticipation physical examination form. If there are changes in the medical history, the school nurse/athletic trainer should bring it to the attention of the Licensed Healthcare Provider and a decision will be made concerning whether the student athlete needs to have another complete physical examination, or not, before proceeding with participation in athletics. Athletes who sustained major injuries, including concussions, or have medical illnesses during the interim (the time that elapses between the two examinations, should be placed in the Physical Examination and Screening protocol at the start of the next school year, regardless of the grade they will be entering.
C. Parental Consent for Non-emergency Physical Examinations
Parent/guardian consent shall be required for non-emergency 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:
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Required as a condition of attendance;
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Administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance; and
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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.
RSU 21 does not require parental consent for an emergency physical examination.
Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 6402-A, 6451-6453 20 U.S.C. § 1232h(c)
Cross Reference: JLCB - Immunization of Students
JJIF - Management of Concussions and Other Head Injuries
Adopted:
Amended: 6/24/24
- Section J