School-Based Health Clinics, Guidelines

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) strongly believes that all children and adolescents should have access to a medical home that provides high-quality, equitable, continuous, and comprehensive health care services. The AAFP supports the selective implementation of school-based health clinic programs, especially in medically underserved communities. 

School-based health clinic programs have a positive impact on academic achievement leading to increased high school graduation rates, and student engagement at school. School-based health clinic programs should cooperate and communicate with the medical home to provide preventive services and combat chronic conditions. 

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. These services should include contraceptive care, sexually transmitted infection testing, risk screenings, dental and vision services and mental health services, as well as serving as an access point for subsequent interventions.

Written policies for school health services should be evidence-based and ideally developed 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. School-based health centers must comply with applicable law and other regulatory guidelines to meet the complex needs of adolescents, while respecting their right to confidentiality. (1989) (September 2024 COD)