New Medical Form & Procedures
To download the PDF version of the
new form CLICK HERE
To download or print out the PDF
version of the FAQ info CLICK HERE
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Annual Health and Medical Record
Q. Why do we need a
new health form?
A.
Based on input
from individual Scouters, the Order of the Arrow, local councils, health and
safety and risk management committees, and high-adventure bases, there was
confusion on when to use any of more than 20 different health forms in use
across the nation. There was also an immediate need to update a medical form for
the 2010 National Scout Jamboree. The Health and Safety Committee took on the
challenge and the opportunity to establish one Annual Health and Medical Record
for all ages and known risks. It is simple and yet comprehensive enough to be
used for both health and wellness evaluations as well as emergency situations.
Q. What are the major
changes?
A. A health
history is still sufficient for typical activities lasting less than 72 hours
(Parts A and C of the new form—similar to the old Class 1 form). For activities
lasting longer than 72 hours, a medical evaluation by a health-care provider is
now required annually (Part B). For high-adventure activities for which medical
care may be delayed, restrictions based on standardized height/weight ratios are
now mandatory.
Q. When does the
Annual Health and Medical Record go into effect? I am used to the old form and
would rather use it.
A.
Transition and change can be exciting and easy, especially if it positions the
BSA for the future. Everyone should begin using the Annual Health and Medical
Record immediately. The existing stock of Class 1, 2, and 3 forms can continue
to be used while supplies last in 2009. The only supported form effective
January 1, 2010, is the Annual Health and Medical Record. Its use will be
mandatory for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.
Q. Where can I find
the Annual Health and Medical Record?
A. It can
be found at your council’s Scout shop and is posted in a downloadable PDF format
on Scouting Safely on Scouting.org.
Q. Can I keep a record
of my Annual Health and Medical Record somewhere at my council’s office or
online?
A.
Districts and councils are discouraged from keeping any medical records, whether
digital or paper, unless required by local or state ordinances. However, the
electronic version of the Annual Health and Medical Record is intended to be
filled out and saved by individual Scouts and Scouters. The electronic Annual
Health and Medical Record should not be transmitted via e-mail or stored by
units, districts, or councils. Units are encouraged to keep paper copies of
their participants’ Annual Health and Medical Records in a confidential medical
file for quick access in an emergency and to be prepared for all adventures.
Q. The old Class 1, 2,
and 3 forms were based on age. What about the Annual Health and Medical Record?
A. There is
no longer a difference in the exam interval based on age. The Annual Health and
Medical Record is for everyone.
Q. There are three
parts to the Annual Health and Medical Record, which part do I need to fill out?
A. All
participants should fill out Parts A and C for any event. Part B (the physical
examination) should be completed if you are participating in an event that
exceeds 72 consecutive hours, such as jamborees, summer camps, and Wood Badge
training courses. Part B also is required for participation in a resident camp
setting or when the nature of the activity is strenuous and demanding such as
service projects, work weekends, or high-adventure treks. It is important to
note that if the event will take your unit beyond a radius wherein emergency
care is more than 30 minutes by ground transportation, the height/weight chart
found at the bottom of Part B should be strictly followed. Please note that
individual units, districts, or councils may have policies in place to exceed
this standard based on their unique risks.
Q. How often will I
need to renew/update my Annual Health and Medical Record?
A. This
form will need to be updated annually, just as many schools or sporting leagues
require an annual update. Many changes can happen throughout a year, including
changes in disease processes, medication, address, and insurance.
Q. What is meant by
“Annual” and “valid for 12 calendar months”?
A. If you
complete your record on March 9, 2009, it will be valid through March 2010, but
you must complete a new Annual Health and Medical Record by April 1, 2010.
Please note that the 2010 National Scout Jamboree will have a specific window
when the record must be submitted.
Q. I have several
children in the program and a health care plan that does not provide cheap
co-pays for physicals. What can be done to divert the increased cost of
participation?
A. Many
units, districts, and councils offer physical exams. Facilitating such an event
could be a positive experience, as well as decreasing costs. Several county
clinics offer physicals at a very low price in order to assist children across
the nation maintain a well and healthy life.
Q. I heard a physical
for an adult can be very expensive. Is that true?
A. As
participants age, physicians (MDs, DOs), NPs, and PAs may require extra testing
in order to approve and/or clear their participation in events. Participants who
are on medications should already be checked annually.
Q. Do I really need to
explain everything about myself or my child, such as learning disabilities or
depression? I don’t want myself or my child to be treated differently.
A. As hard
as it may be to share these aspects about yourself or your child, this
information is needed to structure safe activities and is imperative when giving
emergency care. Please be thorough and honest. Our experience also indicates
that a Scouting activity is not the place to experiment with or stop
medications, especially those that address these issues.
Q. Why do I need to
put my child’s or my own social security number on the record?
A. It is
your choice as to whether you fill in this number; however, in many states,
medical care cannot be rendered without it.
Q. What does “grade
completed” mean?
A. If your
son has completed the 6th grade and is currently enrolled in 7th grade, you
would enter 6th grade here. You may always update your information more
frequently than annually.
Q. What if I don’t
want to have my child immunized for tetanus or other immunizations due to
religious or philosophical reasons, do I have to sign a release?
A. Yes, the
recommendations of the immunization task force were accepted by the Health and
Safety Support Committee in October 2008 and are listed on Scouting.org under
Scouting Safely. If you choose not have your child immunized, the release form
can also be found there. Declining or inadequate immunizations will require
verification by a certified and licensed physician (MD, DO), NPs, or PAs that a
communicable disease is not present. Inadequately immunized participants will be
identified so that they can be located in case of a necessity for isolation or
quarantine as per local public health official directives
Q. Can I decline
medical treatment?
A. Yes, but
a release must be signed. The release can be found under Scouting Safely on
Scouting.org. This practice is highly discouraged because this choice can put
the entire unit at risk, both mentally and physically. Declining medical
treatment will require verification by a certified and licensed physician (MD or
DO), NP, or PA that a communicable disease is not present.
Q. Can I use another
medical exam, such as a school sports exam, and attach it to the Annual Health
and Medical Record?
A. No. In
an effort to maintain standards of preparedness and fitness for participation,
and to make sure that the medical professional conducting the examination knows
the various outdoor adventures than can occur in Scouting, the BSA requires
completion of Part B. Part B also includes the height/weight chart for high
adventure situation where emergency medical care is not readily available.
Q. Why can’t I use the
Annual Health and Medical Record for participation at the high-adventure bases?
A. The
high-adventure bases have very specific activities that are unique to each of
them. They each provided valuable input to position the Annual Health and
Medical Record for use in the future. YOU are responsible to Be Prepared for
your high-adventure trek and understand and follow all high-adventure base
rules, procedures, and guidelines.
Q. Why is there a
talent release on the Annual Health and Medical Record? It doesn’t really have
anything to do with health.
A. In
response to requests from several councils to eliminate paperwork, we have
included the talent release as part of the Annual Health and Medical Record.
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