What is the nurses role in calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) and determining the weight status category (WSC) (based on BMI-for-age percentile)?
• The amendment to Education Law Sections 903 and 904 was written to incorporate BMI and WSC determination as part of the health certificate or health appraisal. Only the school medical director can perform and complete the health appraisal, and only a student’s healthcare provider may perform and complete a health certificate. • For health appraisals completed at the school, a medical director may choose to have a written policy stating that the school nurses in his/her district can perform the height and weight measurement, calculate the BMI and determine the WSC. The school nurse may write these on the health certificate for the provider if requested. However, it is the responsibility of the medical director to interpret the WSC and what effect it may have on the student’s health. By signing the health appraisal form, the medical director is taking responsibility for the information on the form and is ensuring that any identified health problems are reported to the parent to arrange
