The B.C. government has formally committed to provide health screening in dental, vision and hearing for all children in licensed child care and school settings in B.C.
The screening commitment has been made for children younger than six years because although problems in these area can impact a child's development and learning, early and timely treatment can often provide the healthiest outcomes by providing the best opportunities to learn, adapt and develop, said Jeff Rudd, communications director with Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport.
In the past, public health staff has offered various screening services which was done through notifying parents.
The new regulation formalizes the process which ensures the screenings and services are held throughout the province in the same manner, said Rudd.
The new regulation allows public health staff to obtain demographic (physical condition) about the children so that parents can be notified and offered screening services and gives health authority staff permission to disclose screening and diagnostic results to the child's school or child-care operator to ensure children receive follow-up support and assistance in classrooms or child-care facilities.
As in the past, parents can choose not to have their child screened or can opt out of results being disclosed to health authorities.
Rudd said although about 40,000 B.C. children are screened annually, there are some reasons for opting out such as when a child has just had procedures or is having work done in dental, vision or hearing care.
"It's always the legal right of parents to make decisions about their children."
In B.C. medical groups involved in child health screening are public health nurses, licensed practical nurses, dental hygienists, certified dental assistants, audiology technicians, audiologists and health unit aides.
