(This page updated November 21, 2012)
Download BSA Medical Form - this link
will redirect to the National BSA website
Please view the National BSA Frequently Asked Questions
web page for information about the medical form
Special notes for Cascade Pacific Council members
Annual Physicals
The medical form requires an annual physical for persons participating in certain activities regardless of age. The 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.
Expense of Annual Physical Exams
It is understood that physical exams can be expensive. They are required for Scouts and Scouters who are engaged in lengthy or strenuous outdoor adventures (see the form or National FAQ for requirement details). Cascade Pacific Council provides a listing of medical clinics that offer lower-cost exams (below). If you know of other clinics to add to the list, please send this information in.
Click for a list of resources for lower-cost physical exams
Height/Weight Chart NOT REQUIRED for CPC summer camps
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 required 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
Part A: General Information. Required for all events.
Part B: Parental release and information. Required for all events.
Part C: Physical Exam & Doctor's Signature. Required for events exceeding 72 hours.
Part D: For National High Adventure Bases only. This part NOT REQUIRED for CPC camps or unit activities.
Frequently Asked Questions presented by National BSA
This form change is being implemented by the National Organization of Boy Scouts of America. Please view the National BSA Frequently Asked Questions page for information directly from the form creators.
Other Frequently Asked Questions presented by Cascade Pacific Council
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
Cooper
Meriwether
Pioneer
NYLT (National Youth Leader Training)
Horse Trek
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 C, including the physicians' exam signature on the actual form.
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 photocopy, rather than the original.
Q: The form is provided as a fillable-PDF. Can we submit the form electronically?
A: For privacy reasons, do not transmit medical forms electronically. The form is provided as a fillable-PDF to ease completion and to increase legibility when printing. 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.