Virginia Law

A. Timing and frequency of physical examinations

1. Each child accepted for care shall have a physical examination by or under the direction of a licensed physician no earlier than 90 days prior to placement in the facility.

EXCEPTIONS: a. If a child transfers from one residential facility licensed or certified by a state agency to another, the report of an examination within the preceding 12 months shall be acceptable.

b. If a child is admitted on an emergency basis and a report of physical examination is unavailable, a physical examination shall be conducted within 30 days after placement. (See 22VAC40-100-180 8.)

2. Following the initial examination, each child shall have a physical examination annually.

3. Additional or follow-up examinations and treatment shall be required when:

a. Prescribed by the examining physician, or

b. Symptoms indicate the need for an examination or treatment by a physician.

B. Required content of physical examinations.

1. Each report of physical examination shall include:

a. The date of the physical examination; and

b. The signature of a licensed physician, the physician's designee, or an official of a local health department.

2. Each examination report shall include information concerning:

a. Immunizations administered;

b. Visual acuity;

c. Auditory acuity;

d. General physical condition, including documentation of apparent freedom from communicable diseases, including tuberculosis;

e. Allergies, chronic conditions, and handicaps, if any;

f. Nutritional requirements, including special diets, if any;

g. Restriction of physical activities, if any; and

h. Recommendations for further treatment, immunizations, and other examinations indicated.

3. When it is not in the best interest of a child with a communicable disease to prohibit admission, the child may be admitted only after a licensed physician certifies that:

a. The facility is capable of providing care to the child without jeopardizing other children in care and staff; and

b. The facility is aware of the required treatment for the child and procedures to protect other children in care and staff.

C. Responsibility for Health Program.

1. It is the responsibility of the institution to maintain and promote the health of children for whom it assumes responsibility. The health program shall be under the continuing technical direction of a physician.

2. The nutrition of the children is a vital aspect of the total health program. Planning, preparation, and serving of food shall be in accordance with nutritional, social, and environmental sanitation needs of the children. Menus shall be available upon request by the commissioner's representative.

3. A positive attitude toward good health and oral and dental hygiene shall be promoted. Standards of hygiene in relation to bathing, appropriate handwashing, and toothbrushing shall be maintained.

D. Annual dental inspection with recommendations for follow-up dental care as indicated.