Physical exam for a High school student

[nursing.mypassion]

OK. One is a BSN, RN and his sister is a high school student. His sister is in need of a physical exam to submit the results to her high school. She asks him to do a general physical assessment report so that she can turn it into the high school in time. Is it lawful to do so?

[Jolie, BSN]

Nope.

I know of no state that allows RNs to independently complete physical examinations or make diagnoses.

Check the form. It probably specifies that the exam must be completed by an MD, DO, Advanced Practice RN or Certified Physician's Assistant.

Also, the person completing the exam will be required to verify the student's vaccination history. I doubt that either she or her brother have accurate records of this.

If the student is unable to make an appointment at a private practitioner's office, she can try the local health department or a walk-in clinic.

Not to mention that it is creepy for an adult man to be examining his high school aged sister.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

My state allows SOME physicals, like kindergarten physicals, to be performed by a certified public health nurse. But outside that, no. It's not legal.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Of course not.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

our state requires such things to be done by anyone with md, dc, do, or anp credential. the school department secretary would be able to answer this question in a heartbeat.

i'm with the poster above on the "creepy" thang.

[Jenni811, RN]

Um...someone with a nursing degree should already know that and shouldn't have to ask. A nurse is unable to complete a physical exam or make diagnosis. we can do an ASSESSMENT, but this is not a physical exam.

this is the job of a MD, NP or PA