School, camp, and college forms

A large and predictable seasonal load, best handled at the well visit rather than in the inbox.

• Sports preparticipation forms. North Carolina high school athletics uses a specific preparticipation form with a defined validity period; use the current version, since schools reject old ones.
• Medication administration at school. Each school system has its own authorization form, and it typically needs renewing every school year. It’s often to in-school use of an asthma inhaler. As soon as you see that, fill out an “Asthma Action Plan” form as well. It’s mandatory in NC for the schools to have on file for asthmatics, no matter how mild it is.
• 504 plans and Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Your role is to document the diagnosis and the functional limitations; the eligibility determination belongs to the school team. A letter describing what the child cannot do, and what would help, is more useful than a diagnosis code.
• Immunization exemptions. In North Carolina, a medical exemption requires a physician’s written statement that the immunization is or may be detrimental to the person’s health, in accordance with the contraindications recognized by the state. The religious exemption exists in statute but does not involve you; don’t sign one.
• Camp and college health forms. Straightforward, but they sometimes want a TB risk assessment and a complete immunization record, so pull those before you sit down.