Sports Physical Rule Change: Key Points

• Tennessee's children rank 43rd in the nation for health and well being (2007 Kids Count data).
• A yearly EPSDT (Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis & Testing), or well-child check up, is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to promote the early diagnosis and treatment of medical problems.
• Starting with the 2008-2009 school year, a full EPSDT/well-child checkup is required for athletes entering the 7th and 9th grades prior to sports participation.
• There is no change in the current rule for athletes in other grades.
• For athletes in 7th and 9th grades, a specific clearance form found on the Tennessee Department of Health website must be used. This is the only form required for 7th & 9th grade athletes. (http://health.state.tn.us/sportsphysical).
• Clearance forms can be filled starting May 1, 2008.
• Doctors, nurse practitioners, and some specially trained public health registered nurses are able to perform this exam.
• If the school/sport required a sports clearance last year, it will require one this year. If in doubt, have the student get the well-child checkup/EPSDT.
• The process for handling the forms has not changed. If you have questions about this, check with your school.
• Process for students:
  1. Go to your doctor.
  2. If you have insurance (private or commercial insurance, TennCare, or CoverKids), then you should have an assigned doctor. If you do not do know who this doctor is, then call your insurance company.
  3. If you do not have insurance, then you should see if you are eligible for TennCare or CoverKids. Information about these programs is available at: http://www.tennessee.gov/tenncare/ (1-866-311-4287) and http://www.covertn.gov/web/cover_kids.html (1-866-Cover-TN)
  4. If you do not have insurance and you do not qualify for TennCare or CoverKids, then you can check with your local health department. Many local health departments offer these services on a sliding scale fee basis.
• This new requirement is a pilot to test the capacity of providers to handle an increase in well-child checkups/EPSDT in case this is later broadened to include more students.
• For more information, please visit http://health.state.tn.us/sportsphysical

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS EXAMINATION FORM
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