HB 2145 -- Health Assessments for Students

Co-Sponsors:  Barry, Scheve

Beginning September 1, 2001, each student up to the age of 11
who has not previously been enrolled in a public school in the
state is required to present a health assessment, as defined by
the bill, completed within the previous 12 months before being
admitted to school.  A student who does not have a current
health assessment may present a signed parental statement that
such an assessment will be completed within 90 days from
admission.  Students whose parents complete a statement that
they have religious objections to such an assessment are
exempt.  Such assessments are confidential information; the bill
sets out 4 conditions under which some or all information may be
disclosed.  The bill specifies a procedure for notifying
potential students of the assessment policy and for transfer of
health assessments with student records.  Local health
departments and facilities may charge sliding fees for the
assessments; however, no student will be denied a health
assessment for inability to pay.  The Director of the Department
of Health may adopt administrative rules to award grants to
assist local health departments in providing assessments and
other regulations necessary for implementing the bill, but the
director is prohibited from prescribing a particular form for
the assessment.  School district boards and, by district policy,
certificated personnel or a committee of certificated personnel
may exclude students who lack the health assessment from
attendance, and school boards may adopt additional health
assessment requirements.