Health Screening in the School Setting

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: Mandatory health screenings are different from state-required health forms that students need for school attendance. Both screenings and forms vary by state, but both are essential. School nurses should be aware of the specific requirements for their students to ensure compliance and promote student health.

Mandatory health screenings and state-required health forms may sound similar, but they serve different purposes. Health screenings help catch potential issues—like vision or hearing problems—that could affect a student’s ability to learn. They’re all about early detection and intervention. On the other hand, state-required health forms (such as physicals, immunization records, and medication authorizations) are tied to school attendance and ensure students meet public health guidelines.

Since requirements for both vary by state, school nurses need to stay on top of what’s needed for their students. Knowing the rules helps keep students in compliance while also supporting their overall health. Communicating with families, working with administrators, and keeping track of deadlines are all part of the job. When school nurses understand these requirements, they help create a healthier school environment for everyone.

As for a single link listing all state health requirements for students, there isn’t one universal resource that covers every state’s specific mandates. However, a good place to start is the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) or each state’s Department of Education or Health Department website.

Health Screenings at School

Even though 40% of children who attend school have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition (CDC, 2019), there may be even more students with undiagnosed health conditions. School nurses, being on campus, are ideally positioned to provide initial health screenings and make referrals for follow-up care with physicians.

Examples of health screenings that a school nurse or other trained professional might be able to provide within the school setting include (but are not limited to):

Vision Screenings
Hearing Screenings
Scoliosis Screenings
Dental Screenings
Mental Health & Behavioral Screenings
Hunger Screenings
BMI Screenings
Lead Exposure Screenings

Are unsure of the mandatory health screenings in your state? If so, look at the Department of Public Health site for your state, then search for something general such as "school health requirements"; these search results will hopefully lead you in the right direction. Or send a message or search the site of your state's school nurse consultant- search the list HERE!

Illinois Student Health Screening Requirements

Vision Screenings
"Vision screening must be provided annually for preschool children 3 years of age or older in any public or private educational program or licensed child care facility, and for school age children in kindergarten, second and eighth grades; are in special education class; have been referred by a teacher; or are transfer students." IDPH, 06/21/2022
Hearing Screenings

"Hearing screening must be provided annually for preschool children 3 years of age or older in any public or private educational program or licensed child care facility, and for all school age children grades kindergarten, first, second and third; are in special education class; have been referred by a teacher; or are transfer students. These screening services shall be provided in all public, private, and parochial schools." IDPH, 06/21/2022

In addition to understanding these requirements, it's crucial for school nurses to communicate effectively with parents and guardians about the importance of these screenings and forms. Keeping detailed records and scheduling reminders can help streamline the process and address any potential issues before they become barriers to a student’s health and academic success. Click the image below to see some of the forms I use when it comes to vision and hearing screenings!