Category
Preventive Health Screenings in HS
Category
Preventive Health Screenings in HS
State law requires a health screening prior to entry (which may or may not specifically include vision, hearing, dental, or BMI exams).
Code of Virginia 22.1-273. Vision and hearing of student to be tested; exceptions.
G. The principal of each public middle school and high school shall cause the vision of students enrolled in grade seven and grade 10 to be tested, unless:
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- Any such student produces a written record of a comprehensive eye examination performed within the preceding 24 months;
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- The parents or guardians of any such student object on religious grounds and the student shows no obvious evidence of any defect or disease of the eyes; or
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- Any such student has an Individualized Education Program or a Section 504 Plan that documents a defect of vision or a disease of the eyes and the principal determines that such a test would not identify any previously unknown defect of vision or a disease of the eyes.
Any such screening may be conducted by a qualified nonprofit vision health organization that uses a digital photoscreening method pursuant to a comprehensive vision program or other methods that comply with Department of Education requirements. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, such screenings may be conducted at any time during the school year; however, the scheduling of such screenings shall be completed no later than the sixtieth administrative working day of the school year. The principal shall keep a record of such screenings in accordance with instructions furnished. Whenever a student does not receive a passing result on such screening and requires referral to an optometrist or opthalmologist for a comprehensive eye examination, the principal shall cause the parent or guardian to be notified in writing. Copies of the report shall be preserved for the use of the Superintendent of Public Instruction as he may require.
Virginia Administrative Code 8 VAC 20-250-10. Testing of Sight and Hearing; Monitoring.
That sight and hearing of pupils in grades K, 3, 7, and 10 be screened within 60 administrative working days of the opening of school. Whenever a pupil is found to have any defect of vision or hearing or a disease of the eyes or ears, the principal shall notify the parent or guardian in writing, of such defect or disease. This screening of pupils will be monitored through the administrative review process.