Pennsylvania SB 1234: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for scoliosis screening and examination; and abrogating a regulation.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1526
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 1234
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY BROOKS, FLYNN AND MILLER, MARCH 20, 2026
REFERRED TO EDUCATION, MARCH 20, 2026
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in school health services, providing
for scoliosis screening and examination; and abrogating a
regulation.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 1403.2. Scoliosis Screening and Examination.--(a)
Screening for scoliosis shall be included in school health
programs. Scoliosis is an appreciable lateral deviation of the
normally straight vertical line of the spine or one or more
lateral rotary curvatures of the spine.
(b) A scoliosis screening test shall be administered to
students in grades five, six, seven and nine and to age-
appropriate students in ungraded classes.
(c) Scoliosis screening shall be conducted in accordance
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with administrative and professional guidelines by personnel who
meet the qualifications standards adopted by the Secretary of
Health and the Secretary of Education.
(d) Students who are under observation or care for scoliosis
by a physician or students whose parents object in writing to
the screening need not be tested.
(e) The Department of Health shall issue administrative
guidelines to schools to ensure compliance with this section.
Results of the screening shall become part of the pupil's school
health record.
Section 2. The provisions of 28 Pa. Code § 23.10 (relating
to scoliosis screening) are abrogated.
Section 3. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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