Required Screening for Scoliosis

The State of Georgia requires all sixth and eighth-grade children who attend public school to be screened for Scoliosis.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. About three percent of children are affected by scoliosis. It can occur at any age but is often noticeable between the ages of 9 and 16, when growth occurs
rapidly. Early detection is important to avoid potentially serious problems later in life if a spinal curve is not recognized, treated, and it continues to progress.

How can Scoliosis be detected?

A simple screening test can be done by an
observation of the child’s back when standing and bending forward.

Where can the screening be done?

There are options for how the screening can be completed:

• It can be completed by a physician with an active Georgia license or a person working under the supervision of a physician with an active Georgia license, the local health department, or a
  licensed school nurse. They can complete the required Certificate of Scoliosis Screening Form 4400 for you to provide to your school within the first 90 days of sixth and eighth-grade. 
• It can be completed at a school Scoliosis screening event in which you permit your child to participate.

Students without a completed Form 4400 on file more than 90 days after the start of school will be asked to participate in a Scoliosis screening during a school screening event.

May I Opt my child out of Screening?

Parents or guardians can choose to not have their child screened for Scoliosis by selecting
the opt-out option on Form 4400.

Where can I get a Form 4400?

For your convenience, the Certificate of Scoliosis Screening Form 4400 is available below, or it may be downloaded from the Georgia Department of Public Health's website.

Department of Public Health Certificate of Scoliosis Screening Form 4400.pdf (PDF)

Parent letter - Department of Public Health Scoliosis Screening Form 4400.pdf (PDF