Policy JLCA
Physical Examinations of Students
School Board Approved: December 5, 2022
Each child must have written evidence of a complete physical examination within one year preceding first entry to school. Additionally, each child shall have written evidence of a physical examination within one year before entry into seventh grade and again before entry into high school.
Parents of students transferring to the District must present documentation evidencing of meeting the physical examination requirement prior to or upon first entry into the District's schools. Failure to comply with this provision may result in exclusion from school for the child.
Conditional Enrollment
If an examination required under paragraph A above has not been performed within the preceding year, the school will accept documentation of an appointment for a physical examination within two months of enrollment, or other time deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.
Homeless Students and Unaccompanied Youth
Pursuant to the McKinney-Vento Act and Board Policy JFABD, homeless students and/or unaccompanied youth, may enroll and attend school while the Homeless Liaison works with the family/student to obtain examinations or documentation of the same.
Special Examination
Pursuant to RSA 200:34 every child with a presenting problem and whom the school nurse, deems to require further evaluation, may be referred by the school nurse, with the consent of the principal, to the parents or guardian of said child for examination, and evaluation by an appropriate practitioner. If the parents fail or neglect to have said child so examined and fail to present the recommendations from said examiner within a reasonable period after the referral by the school, then said child may be examined by a qualified health care provider. In significant cases, the matter may be reported to DCYF pursuant to JLF.
Religious Exemption
No medical examination shall be required of a child whose parent or guardian objects thereto in writing on the grounds such medical examination is contrary to his/her religious tenets and teachings.
Participation on Athletic Teams
Prior to participation on a school athletic team, students must provide written documentation that they have passed a physical. Such exam must be completed at least once every school year. This requirement does not apply to students participating in intramural athletics. At the District’s sole discretion, the school may schedule physical exams with a single, qualified health care provider (i.e., physician, advanced registered nurse practitioner, or licensed physician’s assistant); any student who misses the scheduled physicals must present evidence of a physical exam from a licensed health care provider.
Parent Notification - Certain Circumstances
Pursuant to the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, if the District utilizes federal money to perform physical exams or screenings on students, the District will notify parent(s) of such physical exam or screening and will allow the parent's to “opt out” their child of any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent and scheduled by the school, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student or of another student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law.
Legal References:
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, 20 U.S.C. §1232h; 34 C.F.R. Part 98
RSA 141-C:20-c, Exemptions
RSA 200:32, Physical Examination of Pupils
RSA 200:34, Special Examination
RSA 200:38, Control and Prevention of Communicable Diseases: Duties of School Nurse
NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed. 311.03, Physical Examination of Students
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