The BSA has announced a “new” medical form. It’s similar to the old forms we’ve used in the past, but the revisions allow the same form to be used for summer camp, high adventure camp, and regular scouting activities. The form has to be updated by parents annually, and the best time to do so is before the scouts go to summer camp. For summer camp a physician’s exam is required (see Part C below). For the BSA high adventure camps (Philmont, Seabase, Northern Tier), Part D must also be completed.

Any scout (or leader) going to any of our summer outings should make an appointment for a physical exam in order to have the forms completed by June 30.

The form is available at:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/ahmr.aspx
You can download the form, fill it in, print it, and save an electronic copy for your files.

Parts A and B are required annually by participants in all Scouting events. This health history, parental/guardian informed consent and hold harmless/release agreement, and talent release statement is to be completed by the participant and parents/guardians.

Part C is to be completed for any event that exceeds 72 consecutive hours, for all high-adventure base participants, or when the nature of the activity is strenuous and demanding. Service projects or work weekends may fit this description. Part C is to be completed and signed by a certified and licensed health-care provider—physician (MD or DO), nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

Part D is required to be reviewed by all participants of a high-adventure program at one of the national high-adventure bases and shared with the examining health-care provider before completing Part C.

The BSA’s frequently asked questions (FAQs) section, http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/Resources/MedicalFormFAQs.aspx, has been updated to reflect the changes in the form.

The bottom line: call your son’s physician and make an appointment. Print out the form, fill in as much of the form as you can, and take it with you to the appointment.