Nurse practitioners, physician assistants can now sign IHSAA physical forms

Posted on June 29, 2016

The Indiana High School Athletic Association announced that physical forms required for participating in IHSAA sports at member high schools may now be completed and signed by more medical professionals.

The IHSAA adopted the changed during its recent final meeting of the 2015‐16 school year.

Effective immediately, the IHSAA pre‐participation physical evaluation form may now be completed and signed by, not only a physician with an unlimited license to practice medicine, but also nurse practitioners and physician assistants clearing high school students for athletic participation.

Penn HIgh School students must have completed physical evaluation forms turned into the Athletic Office by July 18 to participate in Fall Sports for the Kingsmen.

"The Indiana High School Athletic Association continues to greatly value the medical guidance from the Committee on Sports Medicine which is a branch of the Indiana State Medical Association” said IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox in a press release issued by the IHSAA.  “Traditionally, the Association has maintained a position whereby a doctor with an unlimited license to practice medicine in our state either perform or certify the pre‐participation physical examination for our student athletes. While our expectation of providing the highest standard of care for our students has not wavered, the Association respects the changes in the health care landscape over the last few years. In light of this ever changing panorama, the Association now extends an opportunity for a select group of professionals to execute the pre‐participation physical examination."

Between April 1 and a student’s first practice in a sport, a physical evaluation must be performed and the appropriate form completed, signed and submitted to member school administrators. The Indiana High School Athletic Association continues to receive guidance from the Sports Medicine Committee of the Indiana State Medical Association. Approximately 160,000 students participate in high school athletics on an annual basis in Indiana.

Last Modified January 12, 2022