6. How does the PPE address checking for scoliosis or a hernia?
Although there are no questions specific to scoliosis and hernia, the HCP who conducts the
examinations will include observations for hernias when examining the student’s abdomen and
groin. Similarly, the HCP would evaluate for scoliosis when examining the student’s back and
musculoskeletal system. In addition, scoliosis screening is mandated for students ages 10 through
18 in New Jersey, according to N.J.A.C. 6A:16-2.2(k)4.
7. Where can the parent/guardian or HCP indicate on the PPE form the student has asthma
or a life-threatening allergy that requires epinephrine?
The “History Form” of the PPE provides an area for the parent/guardian in the box titled
“Medicines and Allergies” to provide information on allergies and a checkbox under “General
Questions” to indicate asthma. The “Physical Examinations Form” of the PPE provides space, as
well, to document asthma under “Lungs/Abnormal Findings.” Allergies, including life-
threatening allergies requiring epinephrine, and asthma may also be indicated on the “Clearance
Form” of the PPE under “Recommendations and Comments.” Moreover, in New Jersey, school
districts must follow the specific statutory and regulatory requirements for asthma treatment plans
for students with asthma and individualized health plans and individualized emergency health
plans for all students with life-threatening allergies. Those plans are already a part of the
student’s health record and do not need to be duplicated in the PPE.
8. Does the term “physician” only mean MDs and DOs or are other individuals such as
chiropractors allowed to complete physicals now?
According to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-1, “physician” refers to physicians licensed to practice medicine
and surgery within the state. The law allows physicians, advanced practice nurses and physician
assistants to conduct the student-athlete’s preparticipation physical evaluation. This has not
changed. Since chiropractors are not licensed to practice medicine or surgery, nor are they
specifically named in the law, they are not allowed to complete the physicals.
9. Can a district have one general sign-off sheet for all required signatures (i.e., Sudden
Cardiac Death Pamphlet, Steroid Testing Policy Consent, Sports-related Concussion and
Head Injury Fact Sheet)?
No. N.J.S.A. 18A:40-41d requires each student-athlete and the student’s parent or guardian each
year and prior to participation by the student in an athletic activity, sign and return to the
student’s school the form developed by the commissioner pursuant to the Scholastic Student-
Athlete Safety Act. Therefore, the sign-off sheet cannot be combined with other required sign-off
sheets.
10. Can the Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes pamphlet be collected by coaches along
with other required forms such as the code of conduct, HIB form, Steroid Testing Consent
form, etc.?
The Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes pamphlet must be distributed to each student-
athlete and their parent or guardian as part of the student’s preparticipation physical evaluation
and completion of athletic permission forms, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A: 40-41d. The student-
athlete and the parent or guardian may keep the pamphlet. The student-athlete and the parent or
guardian must certify in writing that they received and reviewed the pamphlet. The coach may
choose to collect the Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Athletes signed certification in the same