This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to include provisions for scoliosis screening and examination within school health services. It establishes a new section, Section 1403.2, which mandates that scoliosis screening be part of school health programs. The bill specifies that students in grades five, six, seven, and nine, as well as age-appropriate students in ungraded classes, must undergo a scoliosis screening test. The screenings are to be conducted by qualified personnel in accordance with guidelines set by the Secretary of Health and the Secretary of Education. Additionally, students who are already under a physician's care for scoliosis or whose parents object in writing to the screening are exempt from testing. The results of the screenings will be included in the students' health records.

Furthermore, the bill abrogates existing regulations found in 28 Pa. Code 23.10 that pertain to scoliosis screening, thereby streamlining the process under the new guidelines. The Department of Health is tasked with issuing administrative guidelines to ensure compliance with the new requirements. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1526 (Mar 20, 2026): P.L.30, No.14