School-Based Health Clinics, Guidelines

The American Academy of Family Physicians strongly believes that all children and adolescents should have access to a medical home that provides high-quality health care services in a continuous and comprehensive fashion. The American Academy of Family Physicians supports the selective implementation of school-based health clinic programs in areas where the health care needs of the school-age population are not being met. School-based health clinic programs should cooperate and communicate with the medical home to assure consistent and quality care. Clinical services in school-based clinics should be provided by a professionally prepared school nurse or similarly qualified health professional and supervised by family physicians or other physicians trained in the care of children and adolescents. Written policy for school health services should be formulated by a health council consisting of school and community-based physicians, nurses, faculty, parents, and community leaders. This policy should include a carefully prepared, well-integrated health education curriculum emphasizing positive health practices. (1989) (2007)