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The Health For Florida form, specifically the DH 3040, plays a crucial role in ensuring that children meet health requirements for school entry in Florida. This form is essential for students entering public and private schools from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade. It serves as a comprehensive tool for health care providers to document the results of a child's health examination, which must be completed within one year prior to enrollment. A licensed health professional, either from Florida or the state where the child resided, is responsible for certifying that the examination has been conducted. The form includes sections for both parents and health care providers, ensuring that vital health history is accurately recorded. Parents are required to fill out the child’s identifying information and medical history, while providers complete the medical evaluation and screening results. Exemptions exist for certain situations, such as religious grounds or for homeless children, who receive a temporary exemption. Ultimately, the completed DH 3040 form not only documents compliance with state regulations but also assists schools in understanding the health needs of their students.

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Guide for Completing the School Entry Health Exam (DH 3040 Form)

DH 3040, 6/02, Stock Number: 5744-000-3040-2

General Information

Purpose: The School Entry Health Exam has been designed to meet the requirements for the school entry health examination, as mandated by s.1003.22, F.S. (formerly s. 232.0315, F.S.) for student entry into Florida public and private schools, grades Pre-Kindergarten to 12. It provides basic health and screening information that will assist the school and school health personnel in meeting the needs of the child.

Health Care Provider: A health professional who is licensed in Florida or in the state where the student resided at the time of the health examination, and who is authorized to perform a general health examination under such licensure shall certify that the health examination has been completed.

Time Limits: The child’s health examination must be completed within one year prior to enrollment in school. A homeless child shall be given a temporary exemption for 30 school days.

Exemptions: A child shall be exempt from this requirement upon written request from parent or guardian on religious grounds.

Copies: A copy of the front and back of the completed form may be retained in the child’s medical file kept by the health care provider. The original completed DH 3040 Form should be given to the parent to take to the school to provide information and to document that this requirement is met.

Directions for completing the School Entry Health Exam Form

Page 1: The health history is to be filled in by the parent or interviewer in the provider’s office. If the parent seeks the exams recommended by the Partnership for School Readiness, the appropriate provider will fill in the information regarding the exam results.

1.Child Identifying Information: Fill in all of the information requested, including child’s middle name and parent’s complete names. This information is critical for distinguishing between children with the same or similar name.

2.PART I—CHILD’S MEDICAL HISTORY: The parent or interviewer in the provider’s office should answer these questions before the exam. All questions answered “yes” should be explained in the space provided below.

3.Partnership for School Readiness Recommendations for Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten: After the school entry health exam form has been completed, parents should be encouraged to seek the recommended vision examination from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and the dental examination from a dentist. The practitioner providing the school entry health exam may provide the hearing screening.

Page 2: This page is to be completed by the health care provider only.

1.Fill in the complete name and birth date of the child, as it appears on page 1.

2.PART II—MEDICAL EVALUATION: Provide the month, day and year of the entry exam.

3.Screening Results: Perform the indicated screenings and fill in the results of each of the indicated screenings, including vision and hearing information.

4.Exam Components: Indicate whether the results of the exam are normal or abnormal and any actions taken by the provider.

5.TB Risk Assessment: See guidelines on the bottom of the page for TB risk assessment. The screening and results should not be recorded on the school health form. If a test is given, arrangements should be made with the parent/guardian for follow up.

6.If the child has any physical or behavioral problem that may adversely affect the educational experience, check the appropriate box and explain the impairment or restrictions. Because the record will not be subject to the strict protection of medical records, providers are asked to refrain from including information of a confidential nature such as child abuse and HIV/AIDS.

7.Participation in Activities: Indicate whether the child has health or physical conditions that would prevent participation in normal school activities such as physical activities in recess, physical education or other physical activities during the school day.

8.Provider information: Fill out or stamp the form to provide information that identifies the provider and their address.

Revised 7/02

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose The School Entry Health Exam is required for student entry into Florida public and private schools from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade, as mandated by s.1003.22, F.S.
Health Care Provider A licensed health professional must certify the completion of the health examination. This can be a provider from Florida or the state where the student resided at the time of the exam.
Time Limits The health examination must be completed within one year prior to school enrollment. Homeless children receive a temporary exemption for 30 school days.
Exemptions Parents or guardians can request an exemption from the health examination requirement on religious grounds.
Form Copies A copy of the completed DH 3040 Form should be retained in the child's medical file by the health care provider. The original form goes to the parent for school submission.
Medical History The child's medical history must be filled out by a parent or interviewer before the exam. All "yes" responses need explanations.

Health For Florida: Usage Guidelines

Filling out the Health For Florida form is an important step in ensuring your child meets the health requirements for school entry. After completing this form, you will be able to provide necessary health information to the school, which will help them support your child's needs effectively.

  1. Gather necessary information: Before starting, collect your child's personal details, including their full name, date of birth, and your complete name as the parent or guardian.
  2. Complete Page 1: Fill in the child identifying information. Ensure you include the child's middle name and both parents' names to avoid confusion with other students.
  3. Answer medical history questions: The parent or interviewer should answer all questions in Part I regarding the child's medical history. If any questions are answered “yes,” provide explanations in the space provided.
  4. Consider additional screenings: After completing the form, consider scheduling a vision exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist and a dental examination with a dentist, as recommended for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students.
  5. Complete Page 2: This page is for the health care provider. They will fill in the child’s name and birth date, as well as the date of the health exam.
  6. Document screening results: The health care provider should perform the necessary screenings and record the results for vision and hearing tests.
  7. Evaluate exam components: Indicate whether the results of the exam are normal or abnormal and note any actions taken by the provider.
  8. Conduct a TB risk assessment: Follow the guidelines provided on the form for assessing tuberculosis risk. Do not record this information on the school health form.
  9. Address any physical or behavioral problems: If applicable, check the box indicating any issues that may affect the child’s educational experience and provide explanations as needed.
  10. Participation in activities: Indicate if there are any health conditions that would limit the child's participation in normal school activities.
  11. Provider information: The health care provider must fill out or stamp the form with their identifying information and address.

After completing the form, ensure that the original DH 3040 Form is given to you, the parent or guardian, to present at your child's school. Keeping a copy for your records is also a good practice.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the purpose of the Health For Florida form?

The Health For Florida form, also known as the School Entry Health Exam (DH 3040 Form), is required for students entering Florida public and private schools from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade. It provides essential health and screening information to help school health personnel support the child's needs.

Who can complete the health examination?

A licensed health professional in Florida, or in the state where the student lived at the time of the examination, must complete the health examination. This professional must be authorized to perform general health exams under their licensure.

What are the time limits for completing the health examination?

The health examination must be completed within one year before the child enrolls in school. If the child is homeless, they can receive a temporary exemption for 30 school days.

Can a child be exempt from the health examination?

Yes, a child can be exempt from this requirement if a parent or guardian submits a written request based on religious grounds.

What should be done with the completed form?

The original completed DH 3040 Form should be given to the parent. They will then take it to the school to show that the health examination requirement has been met. A copy of the front and back of the form can be kept in the child's medical file by the health care provider.

Who fills out the first page of the form?

The first page of the form is to be filled out by the parent or an interviewer in the provider’s office. This includes providing the child's identifying information and answering questions about the child's medical history.

What should be included in the medical history section?

Parents or interviewers must answer all questions in the medical history section. If any questions are answered "yes," further explanations should be provided in the space given. This information is important for the health provider to understand the child's health needs.

What screenings are recommended after the health exam?

After completing the health exam, parents should seek additional screenings such as a vision examination from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and a dental examination from a dentist. The health care provider may also conduct a hearing screening.

What information does the health care provider need to complete on the second page?

The health care provider must fill in the child's name and birth date, provide the date of the health examination, and record the results of various screenings, including vision and hearing. They should also indicate whether the exam results are normal or abnormal and note any actions taken.

What should the provider avoid including in the health form?

Providers should refrain from including sensitive information such as child abuse or HIV/AIDS details, as the record will not be protected as strictly as confidential medical records.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Child Identifying Information: Failing to provide the child's middle name or the complete names of the parents can lead to confusion. This information is essential to distinguish between children with similar names.

  2. Neglecting Medical History Questions: Parents or interviewers often overlook the importance of answering all medical history questions. If any questions are answered “yes,” they must be explained in the designated space to ensure clarity.

  3. Skipping Recommended Examinations: Some parents forget to seek the recommended vision and dental examinations after completing the health exam. These screenings are crucial for a child’s overall health and readiness for school.

  4. Page 2 Errors: The health care provider must fill out Page 2 accurately. Mistakes in the child’s name or birth date, as it appears on Page 1, can create complications in the record-keeping process.

  5. Improper Screening Results Documentation: Failing to perform all indicated screenings or neglecting to document the results can lead to gaps in the child’s health records. Every screening, especially vision and hearing, is vital.

  6. Ignoring TB Risk Assessment Guidelines: Providers sometimes overlook the TB risk assessment guidelines. It is essential to follow these guidelines carefully and not record sensitive information on the health form.

  7. Provider Information Missing: Lastly, not filling out or stamping the provider information can cause delays. This section is necessary to identify the health care provider and their address, ensuring proper communication and follow-up.

Documents used along the form

When preparing for a child's entry into school, the Health For Florida form is just one piece of the puzzle. Several other documents complement this form, ensuring that students meet health requirements and receive necessary screenings. Below is a list of key forms that often accompany the Health For Florida form, each serving a unique purpose in the process.

  • DH 680 Form - Florida Certificate of Immunization: This form documents a child’s immunization history, confirming that they have received all required vaccinations before entering school. It's essential for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
  • DH 3041 Form - School Entry Health Exam Report: This report provides a detailed account of the health examination, including findings from the medical evaluation and any recommendations for follow-up care.
  • Physical Examination Form: Often required by schools, this form outlines the results of a physical exam conducted by a licensed healthcare provider, ensuring the child is fit for school activities.
  • Vision Screening Report: This document records the results of a vision screening, which is crucial for identifying any vision issues that could affect a child’s learning and development.
  • Dental Examination Form: This form verifies that a child has received a dental check-up, promoting oral health and hygiene, which are vital for overall well-being.
  • Hearing Screening Report: This report details the results of a hearing screening, helping to detect any hearing impairments that may hinder a child's ability to learn effectively.
  • Emergency Contact Form: This form provides vital information about who to contact in case of an emergency, ensuring that the school can reach the appropriate individuals quickly.
  • Medication Administration Form: If a child requires medication during school hours, this form is necessary for documenting the medication, dosage, and administration instructions, ensuring safe practices.

Each of these documents plays a critical role in supporting a child’s health and educational journey. By understanding their purposes and ensuring they are completed accurately, parents and guardians can facilitate a smoother transition into the school environment, ultimately benefiting the child's overall experience.

Similar forms

  • Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH 680 Form): Similar to the Health For Florida form, this document certifies that a child has received the required vaccinations before entering school. It also requires information from a licensed health care provider.
  • School Health Assessment Form: This form collects comprehensive health information about a child, similar to the School Entry Health Exam, and is used to assess the child’s readiness for school.
  • Florida Department of Health School Entry Health Exam (DH 3040 Form): This is the exact form being discussed. It serves as a record of the health examination required for school entry, documenting the child's health history and examination results.
  • Child Health Passport: This document tracks a child's health history and immunizations, similar to the Health For Florida form, and is often used for school enrollment and health assessments.
  • Physical Examination Report: A detailed report from a health care provider that outlines the results of a child’s physical examination. It serves a similar purpose in ensuring a child is fit for school.
  • Emergency Contact Form: While primarily used for emergencies, this form often includes health information that can be vital for school health personnel, mirroring the Health For Florida form's goal of ensuring child safety and health.
  • Vision and Hearing Screening Results: This document provides specific results from vision and hearing tests, similar to the screening results section of the Health For Florida form.
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP): For children with special needs, an IEP outlines specific health and educational requirements, paralleling the Health For Florida form's focus on health impacts on education.
  • Consent for Treatment Form: This form allows parents to authorize medical treatment for their child at school, similar in its need for parental involvement and health considerations.
  • Health History Questionnaire: This document gathers health information from parents about their child, similar to the medical history section of the Health For Florida form, ensuring that schools are aware of any health issues.

Dos and Don'ts

Things to Do:

  • Fill in all child identifying information completely, including the child's middle name and both parents' full names.
  • Answer all questions in PART I—CHILD’S MEDICAL HISTORY honestly and provide explanations for any "yes" answers.
  • Encourage follow-up exams, such as vision and dental checks, after completing the health exam form.
  • Ensure the health care provider fills out Page 2 accurately, including all required screening results and provider information.

Things Not to Do:

  • Do not leave any sections of the form blank; incomplete forms may lead to delays.
  • Avoid including confidential information such as child abuse or HIV/AIDS details on the form.
  • Do not submit the form without the health care provider's signature and stamp.
  • Refrain from recording screening results on the school health form if they are not part of the required documentation.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Health For Florida form can lead to confusion for parents and guardians. Here are nine common misconceptions, along with clarifications to help you better understand the requirements and process.

  • The Health For Florida form is only for public school students. This form is required for both public and private school students in Florida, covering grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12.
  • Any health care provider can complete the form. Only licensed health professionals in Florida or the state where the student resided at the time of examination can certify the health examination.
  • The health examination can be completed at any time. The examination must be completed within one year prior to enrollment in school. Exceptions exist for homeless children, who receive a temporary exemption.
  • Parents can skip parts of the form. All sections, including the child’s medical history, must be completed thoroughly to ensure accurate health information is provided.
  • Religious exemptions are difficult to obtain. Parents or guardians can request an exemption on religious grounds through a written request, making it a straightforward process.
  • There is no need for follow-up screenings. If any tests are conducted, arrangements for follow-up with the parent or guardian should be made, particularly for any abnormal results.
  • The form is only about physical health. The form also addresses behavioral problems that may affect a child's educational experience, ensuring a comprehensive view of the child's health.
  • Confidential information can be included on the form. Providers are advised to avoid including confidential information, such as details about child abuse or HIV/AIDS, as the form does not have the same protections as medical records.
  • Parents do not need to keep a copy of the form. Parents should retain a copy of the completed form for their records, while the original is submitted to the school.

Understanding these misconceptions can ease the process of completing the Health For Florida form and ensure that your child’s health needs are met appropriately.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Health For Florida form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure compliance and provide accurate health information for school entry. Here are ten key takeaways:

  • Purpose of the Form: The School Entry Health Exam form is necessary for students entering Florida public and private schools from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade.
  • Health Care Provider: Only licensed health professionals in Florida or the state where the child resided during the examination can complete and certify the health exam.
  • Time Limits: The health examination must occur within one year before the child's school enrollment. Homeless children receive a 30-day temporary exemption.
  • Exemptions: Parents or guardians can request an exemption on religious grounds, which must be documented in writing.
  • Form Copies: Keep a copy of the completed form in the child's medical file, while the original should be given to the parent for submission to the school.
  • Child Identifying Information: Ensure all requested information, including the child’s middle name and parents' full names, is accurately filled out to avoid confusion.
  • Medical History: Parents or interviewers must answer all medical history questions before the examination, providing explanations for any "yes" responses.
  • Screening Recommendations: After the exam, parents are encouraged to seek additional screenings for vision and dental health as recommended.
  • Provider Responsibilities: The health care provider must complete the second page of the form, documenting the examination date and results of screenings.
  • Confidentiality Considerations: Avoid including sensitive information, such as child abuse or HIV/AIDS status, as the record does not receive the same protections as medical records.