The Echo

9th grade health examination requirement to go into effect next school year
Release Date: Dec 20, 2012 8:30 AM ShareThis
http://www.doe.k12.de.us/news/2012/1221.shtml

The Delaware Department of Education reminds parents of eighth grade students that a requirement for a health examination prior to entry into ninth grade goes into effect next school year.
The requirement, adopted in December 2011, mandates that all students entering both kindergarten and ninth grade have a health examination done within two years of entry into the grade. Schools must receive the completed forms within 30 days of the start of the school year. Previously, the examination was only required for students in kindergarten or enrolling in a Delaware public school for the first time.

“Routine health examinations are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. They are important for all children because they provide an opportunity for health promotion and early identification of health conditions that could impact the child’s well-being and academic success,” said Linda Wolfe, DDOE’s director of School Support Services. “We know that younger children are more likely to be seen by their primary healthcare provider. This new mandate ensures that adolescents also are seen.”

Originally scheduled to go into effect for this school year (2012-13), the state delayed implementation by a year to allow more time to communicate with parents and health care professionals. To assure compliance for September 2013, DDOE urges students to schedule appointments now. As with other regulatory requirements, students who do not meet the requirement will be excluded from school.

The following forms will be accepted:
a) Delaware School Health Examination Form
b) DIAA Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation form
c) Health Examination or evaluation document on a form acceptable to the school that includes, at a minimum: healthy history, immunizations, results of medical testing and screenings, medical diagnoses, prescribed medications and treatments and healthcare plans.