Emergency Medical Waiver

Emergency Medical Waiver Policy

Ohio law requires all students to take the state assessment(s) if they are enrolled in a grade with an Ohio state test (grades 3-8) or an end-of-course exam, in accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). 

Ohio acknowledges that a significant medical emergency occurring immediately before or during the test administration window (including make-up window) can prevent a student from participating in the assessment. In such cases, no alternative arrangements or testing accommodations, Testing Accommodations for State Assessments, can ensure equitable access for the student. 

Emergency Medical Waiver Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Medical Waiver Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of medical emergencies that would necessitate an emergency medical waiver?

Conditions that do not qualify as an emergency

  • A student who had a concussion, in the fall, prior to spring testing and released from academic restrictions. 
  • A student with a mental health diagnosis.
  • A student who was medically fragile but received accommodations for instruction.
  • A student recovering from injuries but receiving education services.
  • A student who had a chronic illness.
  • A student who was pregnant.
  • A student who gave birth and received educational services.
  • A student who was incarcerated.
  • A student who had a broken arm or leg.

​Conditions that qualify as a medical emergency are unexpected and severe beyond the student’s control.

  • A student who suffered a concussion immediately before or during the testing window.
  • A student with a diagnosed mental health illness and received treatment outside of Ohio during the testing window.
  • A student who was medically fragile and suffered a change in condition prohibiting education services.
  • A student who was injured and suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or life altering condition that prohibited education services.
  • A student with a chronic illness who had a compromised immune system or received treatment in a hospital or hospice facility due to worsening conditions.
  • A student who was pregnant and experienced a pregnancy related emergency or medical complication.
  • A student who gave birth immediately before or during the testing window.
  • A student who was incarcerated and not receiving education services.
  • A student who had a broken arm or leg and, as a result, is received treatment in a hospital due to a complication or surgery.

*Final determination will be made by the Department of Education & Workforce.

 

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What is the process to submit a medical waiver?
  • Applications will be accessible through the OH|ID Data Collection tile in May
  • Submit a separate waiver for each student 
  • Review guidelines and instructions 
  • Complete all sections- District/Building Information, Identify Tests Missed, Medical Waiver Information, and Additional Information 
  • Submit the waiver for Department review.  
    • The superintendent or the superintendent's designee must approve the waiver before submission. 
  • Upon final review of waivers, an email indicating the status of the application will be sent to the district Superintendent.

Note: Districts are not required to submit an emergency medical waiver for students who are not able to participate in the fall state assessments. The student will have an opportunity to take the assessment(s) during the spring test administration window.

 

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What test accommodations are available for students?

The Accessibility Manual for Ohio's State Tests is a comprehensive policy document providing information about the accessibility features of Ohio’s State Tests for grades 3-8 and high school in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

 

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Who can access the waiver application?
  • Superintendents or superintendent designees 
  • Principals
  • Test coordinators
  • Education Management Information System (EMIS) coordinators
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What is the timeline for submission of the waiver?
  • Districts have two weeks to submit the Emergency Medical Waiver application.
  • The next application window is May 11-29.

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How does an emergency medical waiver impact a district report card?  

A Department approved emergency medical waiver removes the student from the local report card participation rate calculation and any calculation based on that particular assessment(s).

  • This may include Achievement (Performance Index), Gap Closing (Math and/or ELA Performance Index, Gifted Performance Index, Progress, and English Learner Progress), and Progress.  
  • An emergency medical waiver that is not approved by the Department does not remove the student from the local report card calculations. The student is included as “untested” in the performance index calculations.

Note: Refer to the EMIS Manual for reporting codes.

 

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Does an emergency medical waiver exempt a student from graduation requirements?

No. An approved emergency medical waiver does not exempt a student from end-of-course exam requirements.

 

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Last Modified: 1/9/2026 11:34:24 AM