New Form Required Beginning January 1, 2010
Boy Scouts of America recently released a new medical and health history form to replace the existing Class 1/2 and Class 3 medical forms. The new form will be required for all activities beginning January 1, 2010.
Implementation in Cascade Pacific Council
Cascade Pacific Council summer camps and district activities will honor both the old Class 1/2 and Class 3 forms and the new medical form through December 31, 2009.
Beginning January 1, 2010, all council and district activities, including summer camps, will require the new form.
Changes Introduced by the New Form
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One form for everyone
The new medical form will be used by all members regardless of age or program activity level. The form has three sections (A,B,C). Sections A and C are required at all events. Section B is required for specific events as described on the form. This will reduce confusion from the former system of multiple forms. |
Annual physicals
The new medical form will require an annual physical for persons participating in certain activities regardless of age . The previous forms allowed three years between physician examinations for youth.
The new medical form no longer allows attaching another physical exam (ie: sports physical) to the BSA medical form. The physician's signature must be on the BSA form to be valid. |
Height/Weight Chart
For certain high-adventure activites, the new form introduces a standard height/weight chart which may restrict participation of individuals.
Adherance to the height/weight chart is not necessary for council summer camps due to their proximity and access to medical care.
Very few council events will require adherence to the height/weight chart. Any such events will include such requirement in registration information. |
Components of the New Form
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Page 1: Instructions
- The first page provides information and instructions
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Part A: General Information
- Required for all events
- Completed by all persons
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Part B: Physical Examination
- Required for events exceeding 72 hours
- Required for strenuous activities
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Part C: Parental Release and Information
- Required for all events
- Completed by all persons
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Frequently Asked Questions
presented by Cascade Pacific Council:
Q: Will summer camp require the new form this year (2009)?
A: No. Summer camps and other council and district activities will honor either the old or new medical forms for the duration of the year 2009. Beginning January 2, 2010 the new form will be required.
Q: Should our Scouts use the new medical form now if they're getting a new physical examination?
A: Yes, it is recommended to use the new form for those persons who are getting new physical examinations because the new form will be valid for a full year, wheras the old forms will expire on December 31, 2009.
Tip: With the new form, doctors' signatures are valid to the last day of the month one year from the exam. For example, If you complete your record on March 9, 2009, it will be valid through March 31, 2010.
Q: What health-care providers may administer a physical exam for BSA medical forms?
A: The new medical form details physicians (MD, DO), nurse practitioners, and physician's assistants to be the individuals who may perform physical exams for the new health form.
Q: Do we need a doctor's signature for a one-night campout?
A: No. The new form only requires a doctor's signature for events exceeding 72 hours.
Tip: National designed the form so that parts A and C could be photocopied front-to-back so that one sheet of paper is all that is required for short-term activities.
Q: What camps will require a doctor's signature?
A: Cascade Pacific Council camps and programs that exceed 72 hours (thus requiring a doctor's signature) include:
- Adventure Cove
- Baldwin
- Horse Trek
- Meriwether
- Pioneer
- Polaris
- Sogus
Q: Will summer camps use the height/weight chart on the new medical form?
A: No. Summer camps will not require participants to meet the height/weight guidelines.
These guidelines are for high-adventure activities; at this time no council activities use this chart.
Q. Can I use another medical exam, such as a school sports exam, and attach it to the Annual Health and Medical Record?
A. No. In an effort to maintain standards of preparedness and fitness for participation, and to make sure that the medical professional conducting the examination knows the various outdoor adventures than can occur in Scouting, the BSA requires completion of Part B.
Q: Should we send the medical form to the council office?
A: No. The council does not keep copies of medical forms. When attending district or council events, please bring the forms with you, but do NOT mail to the council office.
Tip: When attending council and district activities, take along a copy, rather than the original.
Q: The form is provided as a fillable-PDF. Can we submit the form electronically?
A: For privacy reasons, please do not transmit medical forms electronically.
The form is provided as a fillable-PDF to ease completion and to increase legibility.
The electronic version of the Annual Health and Medical Record is intended to be filled out and saved by individual Scouts and Scouters. The electronic Annual Health and Medical Record should not be transmitted via e-mail or stored by units, districts, or councils. Units are encouraged to keep paper copies of their participants' Annual Health and Medical Records in a confidential medical file for quick access in an emergency and to be prepared for all adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions presented by National BSA: This form change is being implemented by the National Organization of Boy Scouts of America. Please also view the National BSA Frequently Asked Questions page.
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