The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Bright Futures^TM recently updated their Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care. Providers are encouraged to follow these guidelines for developmental health, behavioral health, and substance use screenings. You should review recommendations with the parents and/or guardians of your Independence patients to determine which screenings would be appropriate.

In addition, providers can enhance pediatric mental health by reviewing and incorporating screening and assessment tools available through the AAP’s Mental Health Tools for Pediatrics.

Learn more

Additional information regarding pediatric health care is available through these websites:

• Bright Futures: brightfutures.aap.org/materials-and-tools/Pages/default.aspx
• AAP Mental Health Initiatives: www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Mental-Health/Pages/Primary-Care-Tools.aspx