School health screenings include vision, hearing, postural and BMI screenings
  • Massachusetts General Law, chapter 71, section 57 with related regulations 105 CMR 200.000 mandates that school nurses do periodic screenings of vision, hearing, growth (height and weight) and posture. Bill H.4056, section 97 requires schools to conduct annual verbal screenings (SBIRT) for substance use. Pursuant to these regulations, the Barnstable Public School nurses screen students according to the following schedule:

    Parents/guardians will be notified if a vision, hearing, or postural screening requires further evaluation. Included in this notification will be a request for a report from your health care provider of their findings so that the nurses are aware of any problems which may interfere with learning and can accommodate any needs that are identified.

    Parents may choose not to have their child participate in any or all screenings. Please notify your school nurse in writing within the first two weeks of school if you wish for your child to opt out of a screening. This must be done annually.

    If your child is receiving treatment for a vision, hearing, or postural concern, please provide your school nurse with current medical documentation of his/her condition.