The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Spinal Screening Program was established by the Texas Legislature to detect abnormal spinal curvature in students. The program is required to adopt rules as mandated by the statute. 

School-based spinal screening is designed to identify adolescents with abnormal spinal curves and refer them for appropriate follow-up by their primary care physician (PCP). Screening can detect scoliosis at an early stage, when the curve is mild and may go unnoticed. Most curves can be treated without surgery if detected early. Therefore, early detection is key to controlling spinal deformities.

There is no charge for training. Please contact your regional coordinator for more information.

 WHAT IS SPINAL SCREENING? 

Spinal screening is a brief test to detect any abnormal curvature of the spine. Screening answers only one question: Does the person show possible problems that indicate the need for further assessment? Spinal screening is a quick and cost-effective way to identify those who may need a more detailed evaluation by a primary care provider.

DSHS is required to: 

• Train and certify individuals to conduct spinal screenings. 

• Train instructors who, in turn, conduct screening training sessions statewide. 

• Collect, compile, and analyze the aggregate screening data that schools submit. 

• Monitor outcomes of spinal screening. 

• Conduct quality control visits to schools to monitor the quality of spinal screening activities. 

• Provide technical assistance to schools about spinal screening activities. 

• Coordinate the screening program with other screening programs conducted by DSHS. 

• Provide educational and other materials to assist in local screening activities.

Objectives for Spinal Screening Program:

1. Identification of a possible problem. 

2. Referral to a primary care provider for diagnostic evaluation. 

3. Educational consideration and recommendations to maximize learning potential. 

4. Tracking and follow-up of all referrals for evaluation of the program’s effectiveness.

School Administrator Responsibilities

The chief administrator responsible for the school’s/district’s spinal screening program must coordinate screening activities with teachers, parents, nurses, and screeners. If screeners are not school staff, they must coordinate with school staff to ensure all components of the spinal screening program are carried out. Coordination of screening activities includes the following:

• Verify screeners are state-certified.
• Conduct an in-service educational program for school system resource personnel, administrators, school nurses, physical educators, and parents.
• Discuss the legal requirements for spinal screening, the scope of the health issues, and the rationale for and technique of screening.
• Discuss which students are exempt and the methodology for screening, including how follow-up of positive cases and referrals will be carried out.
• The chief administrator of each school is responsible for ensuring that each student admitted to the school complies with applicable spinal screening requirements or submits an affidavit of exemption.
• Complete follow-up and referral activities.
• Submit an annual aggregate report online.

Refer to the Spinal Screening Manual for more information related to the procedure and technique for performing spinal screening.