Editors: LEONA BAUMGARTNER.
1. The only criterion against which legislation can be measured is that it promotes continuing improvement in the health status of school-age children. Many factors are involved. Specific legislation, however, is likely to be concerned with only certain phases. Three of these needing legislative attention at this time are:
1) Health instruction and physical education Here are included those organized programs within the school providing learning experiences in personal and community health, and instructional and practice periods of physical activity.
2) Health examination services Here are grouped those activities of physicians, dentists, nurses, teachers, and other professional personnel through which the health status of school children is appraised and diagnostic service begun.
3) Treatment services Here are grouped the activities of physicians, dentists, nurses, and other health personnel; health department or other public agency; preventive, diagnostic, and treatment facilities; hospitals, clinics, and other community agencies which provide preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services to children.
2. These three phases are so closely interlocked that planning and provision for all of them are necessary in order to make maximum contribution to the health status of children. Legislation concerning any one or all of these should be evaluated in terms of principles contained in this statement.
3. These activities can be best carried out when the community provides:
1) adequate school facilities with sufficient trained professional personnel to meet the educational needs of all children in the community.