NC school health screenings plummeted in some local districts after Parents’ Bill of Rights

The number of student health screenings conducted in Charlotte-area school districts declined last year after the passage of Senate Bill 49.Photo byTodd

The passage of Senate Bill 49, also known as The Parents’ Bill of Rights, has led to a significant decline in health screenings in several North Carolina school districts. The bill, enacted in August 2023, mandates parental opt-in for health screenings, including routine hearing, vision, and dental checks, which were previously conducted by default.

Impact of Senate Bill 49

• • Parental Opt-In Requirement: The new law requires parents to actively opt in for their children to receive health screenings at school, leading to a decrease in the number of completed screenings.
  • Controversy and Concerns: Public health officials have expressed concern over the sharp decline in screenings, which they believe could negatively impact students' health and academic performance.

Statistical Decline

• • Catawba County:
  • • Vision screenings dropped by over 93% (from 8,546 to 548).
    • Hearing screenings declined by 34% (from 491 to 322).
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools:
  • • Vision screenings fell by nearly 65%.
    • Dental and hearing screenings saw an 82% decline.
  • Gaston County:
  • • Vision screenings decreased by 48%. The district does not offer hearing screenings.
  • Union County Public Schools:
  • • Vision screenings dropped by 28% (from 20,873 to 14,949).
    • Hearing screenings decreased by 27% (from 7,688 to 5,623).
  • Cabarrus County Schools: Hearing screenings declined slightly by 2%.
• Potential Future Impact:
• • Anticipated Further Declines: With Senate Bill 49 now fully in effect, school health officials expect an even greater drop in screenings in the current school year.
  • Delayed Implementation: Some districts completed health screenings under the old rules before the law took full effect in January 2024, potentially delaying the full impact of the legislation.
• Role of Health Screenings:
• • Early Detection: School health screenings play a crucial role in identifying issues such as vision or hearing impairments, which can affect a child’s academic performance.
  • Access to Services: While North Carolina law mandates a health assessment for students entering public school, further assessments are not required. Pediatricians can provide these screenings, but access may be limited for some families.
• Recommendations:
• • Public Health Guidance: Families without resources for health screenings are encouraged to contact their local health department for assistance.