Articles

Adviser's Comment

Because of the nature of the Ordeals and other functions during which we perform service, all OA members must do an annual physical review (Part B). This is even for activities which are 72 hours or less.

Annual Health and Medical Form

The Health and Safety Committee of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America took on the challenge and the opportunity to establish one Annual Health and Medical Record for all ages and known risks. It is simple and yet comprehensive enough to be used for both health and wellness evaluations as well as emergency situations.

The San Francisco Bay Area Council made additional changes to meet California laws regarding treatment of minors and the permission of a parent or guardian to use firearms. These changes are in italics on the new Health and Medical Form. This new form can be found in the resources portion of www.sfbac.org or just click here.

For the 2009 camp season we will accept the Class 1 and 2 and Class 3 forms with current signatures. Any Scouts or leaders needed their physical this year should use the new form. Please use the form on the council website referenced in this email as it contains the permission to shoot and the national form does not.

Some of the key points about the changes are:

• A health history is still sufficient for typical activities lasting less than 72 hours (Parts A and C of the new form—similar to the old Class 1 form). For activities lasting longer than 72 hours, a medical evaluation by a health-care provider is now required annually (Part B). For high-adventure activities for which medical care may be delayed, restrictions based on standardized height/weight ratios are now mandatory.
• Everyone should begin using the Annual Health and Medical Record immediately. The only supported form effective January 1, 2010, is the Annual Health and Medical Record. Its use will be mandatory for the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.
• The electronic version of the Annual Health and Medical Record is intended to be filled out and saved by individual Scouts and Scouters. However, districts and councils are discouraged from keeping any medical records, whether digital or paper, unless required by local or state ordinances.
• There is no longer a difference in the exam interval based on age. The Annual Health and Medical Record is for everyone.
• This form will need to be updated annually, just as many schools or sporting leagues require an annual update. Many changes can happen throughout a year, including changes in disease processes, medication, address, and insurance.

To get answers for common questions about the new form, click here .