Indiana § 31-27-9-2 - Childrens' records; health exam; dental exam; immunization

§ 31-27-9-2. Childrens' records; health exam; dental exam; immunization

Sec. 2. (a) A licensee shall obtain from the placing agency or placing parent a statement indicating whether or not the child has, to the best of the agency's or parent's knowledge, been exposed to a communicable disease within twenty-one (21) days before the date of admission.

(b) Each child must receive a health examination by a licensed professional within ninety-three (93) days before admission, or not later than twenty-one (21) days after admission. The examination must include the following:

(1) Health history.

(2) Physical examination.

(3) Vision and hearing screening.

(4) A test for tuberculosis if the last such test is known to be negative or if there is no record of a test. If the test is positive the child shall have a diagnostic chest x-ray and other indicated laboratory tests to determine whether or not the disease is in an infectious state.

(5) A written statement from the licensed professional that in the professional's opinion there is no health condition that would be hazardous either to the child or to other children in the licensee's care.

(6) A statement of the medical findings, including physical defects and need for dental care, state of development, and ability of the child to take part in group activities, or a schedule of permitted activities if activities need to be limited.

(7) A health examination, including a tuberculosis screen annually and a tuberculosis test whenever there is reason to suspect that the child may have a condition hazardous or potentially hazardous to others or whenever the child's general condition indicates the need for an examination.

(c) Each child must receive a dental examination from a licensed dentist as follows:

(1) Within forty-five (45) days of admission unless the child caring institution has documentation of a dental examination within the one hundred eighty-five (185) days before admission.

(2) Annually.

(3) Whenever an interim condition indicates the need for examination or treatment.

(d) Any treatment or corrective measures required by the licensed professional or dentist must be arranged by the licensee, as approved by a parent, legal guardian, or placing agency.

(e) This subsection does not apply to an emergency shelter or an emergency shelter group home. A licensee, after attempting to determine the child's immunization history, shall ensure that each child has received all immunizations and booster shots which are required under IC 20-34-4-2(c)(1).

(f) All children must be immunized against routine childhood diseases unless exempted by a licensed professional's statement.

(g) A child may be exempted from immunizations against routine childhood diseases upon the good faith religious belief statement of the parent or guardian.

(h) The adequate immunizing doses and the child's age for administering each vaccine under subsection (e) must be those recommended by the Indiana department of health.

(i) Adequate documentation of an immunization history must consist of one (1) of the following:

(1) A licensed professional's certificate, including the number and dates of doses administered.

(2) Immunization records forwarded from a school corporation, including the number and dates of doses administered.

(3) A record maintained by the parent or guardian showing the month, day, and year during which each dose of vaccine was administered.

(j) If a licensed professional certifies in writing that a particular immunization required under this section is detrimental, or may be detrimental, to the child's health, the requirements for that particular immunization are not applicable for that child until the immunization is found no longer to be detrimental to the child's health.

(k) A licensee shall maintain a health record for each child. The record must include the following:

(1) Admission and periodic health and dental examination information.

(2) A licensed professional's written instructions with regard to special dietary or health care required.

(3) Record of all medications and treatments.

(4) Record of observations and incidents, including accidents, injuries, or any other condition which may be associated with a health condition or possible abuse or neglect.

As added by P.L.109-2024, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.81-2025, SEC.8.