• State Mandated Health Screenings 

    School nurses conduct health screenings throughout the school year. The screenings are mandated by Massachusetts Code of Regulations (CMR). Screenings are not diagnostic, but rather, help to identify children who might need further evaluation 

    Postural screening is conducted for all grades 5 – 9. The purpose of this is to find early signs of possible spinal problems in children in grades 5-9.  Parents are notified if the student exhibits an abnormal result for physician follow up.  

    Vision screening is conducted for all grades PK – 5, once in grades 6, 7, or 8, and once in grades 9,10,11,12. Parents are notified if the student exhibits an abnormal result for physician follow up.

    Hearing screening is conducted for all grades K - 3, once in grades 6, 7, or 8, and once in grades 9,10,11,12. Parents are notified if the student exhibits an abnormal result for physician follow up.

    Growth (BMI) screening is conducted for students in grades 1, 4, 7 & 10. BMI is a measure that is used to show a person’s weight for height for age. It is calculated using an individual’s height and weight. BMI data is reported to the state as a combined number and no individual data will be shared with anyone. 

    The student’s privacy will be respected at all times throughout the screening process. Results are stored in the child’s health record and no data will be shared with anyone unless written consent is given.

    Parents/guardians will be notified of when the screenings will occur ahead of time.

    Opting out of mandated health screenings by parents is possible. Please contact your child's school nurse for information on how. 

     

    105 CMR 200.000