Paulin Health Certificate Legislation Helps Parents and Physicians

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Scarsdale) announced today that the Assembly and Senate passed her legislation to give parents and physicians additional time to schedule children’s health exams and obtain the required health certificates for submission to schools. Currently, the exam must take place 90 days prior to submission. Assemblywoman Paulin’s law will give parents up to 12 months to obtain the health certificate.

"This bill makes it easier for parents and pediatricians to schedule children’s physicals in a timely manner in order to meet school requirements," said Assemblywoman Paulin. "I well remember the June rush to get my kids to the pediatrician in order to have their health certificates completed in time for the next school year."

In addition, throughout the bill language has been updated to provide current and gender neutral terms. The bill also adds physician assistant and nurse practitioner to the list of persons who may sign a health certificates.