In Tennessee, every child entering school for the first time is required to have a physical examination. A doctor of medicine, osteopathic physician, physician assistant, certified nurse practitioner, or a properly trained public health nurse shall perform this examination.  

No child shall be admitted to school without proof of immunization except those who are exempt by statute as provided in T.C.A. 49-6-5001. 

The Knox County Board of Education requires that every athlete in the 7th and 9th grade receive a complete health maintenance exam (also known as an EPSDT screen) prior to participation in sports. 

Only athletes in the 7th and 9th grade will be required to have a health maintenance exam prior to playing sports. The health maintenance exam is a broad exam that includes a thorough history, a physical exam, screening for hearing and vision, laboratory tests, immunizations, and age-appropriate education. The health maintenance exam also covers all the items needed so that athletes can be cleared for participation in sports. These exams are different from sports physicals.