JAN 4, 2016

NR # 4069

Database of medical and dental records for students pushed

A lawmaker has filed a bill requiring elementary and secondary schools to maintain
medical and dental records of their students.
In House Bill 6277, Rep. Alfredo D. Vargas III (5 th District, Quezon City), said one
of the key-feature of child-friendly schools is the ability to track and assess individual
students in terms of inclusion, health, development, protection, learning barriers, learning
achievement and special needs.
It is of utmost importance that schools monitor and evaluate not only the academic
activity of their students but also their total well-being, Vargas said.
Under the measure, all public and private elementary and secondary schools shall
be required to have a database of their students medical and dental records upon the
students entrance in schools.
An examination and health history of any child may be required by the local school
authorities at any time at their discretion to promote the educational interests of the child,
the measure provides.
The measure requires each certificate of medical or dental record be signed by a
duly licensed physician, physical assistant, or nurse practitioner, and an authorized to
practice in the jurisdiction in which the examination was given.
Each certificate of medical or dental record shall describe the condition of the
student when the examination was made which shall not be more than 12 months prior to
the commencement of the school year in which the examination is required.
The student has the choice to submit his medical and dental certificate, which came
from a legitimate source or be examined by the medical practitioner assigned in the school
where he is to be enrolled.
Unless accommodated on religious grounds, the principal or authorized school
official shall serve a notice to the students parents or guardian requiring the physical and
dental examination.
No medical or dental examination, or health history shall be required from students
on the grounds that such examination or health history may conflict with their genuine and
sincere religious belief. (30) jc