Assigned to APPROP                                                                                                        AS PASSED BY COW

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session

AMENDED

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1319

false claims; agriculture; technical correction

(NOW: vision screening; program)

Purpose

            Requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to consult with outlined organizations and persons when adopting vision screening rules.

Background

Statute requires each school to provide vision screening services to outlined students. A school nurse, volunteer or other school employee who has undergone DHS-developed or approved training must administer the vision screenings. School district or charter school governing bodies that provide vision screening services must provide annual data submissions to DHS in an approved format that complies with student privacy laws.

DHS or its delegate, for the purposes of assisting and implementing K-12 vision screening requirements, may: 1) develop and provide vision screening training to designated screeners;
2) provide schools with materials DHS determines to be necessary for conducting vision screenings; and 3) compile any school vision screening data, with all individual identifying information removed, for review and analysis by researchers, public agencies or any foundation, nonprofit organization or other organization that provides free approved vision screening services or training, grants for vision screening services, eyeglasses or examinations. DHS must adopt rules to assist in the vision screening requirement. The rules may not require materials and equipment specific to any one provider and must: 1) be consistent with the prescribed requirements;
2) incorporate feedback from the public education programs required to implement the vision screenings; and 3) be done in consultation with the Arizona Department of Education.

Vision screening is using a vision screening methodology deemed age appropriate by DHS that includes the evaluation of visual acuity, depth perception and color vision and that may include refraction. Vision screening services are services that include identifying, testing and evaluating a child's vision and identifying the need for follow-up services, as prescribed by DHS (A.R.S. § 36-899.10).

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Requires DHS vision screening rules to be made in consultation with:

a) recognized nonprofit organizations that provide free vision screening services, training, vision screening grants, eyeglasses or examinations;

b) ophthalmologists;

c) optometrists;

d) school nurses;

e) pediatricians; and

f) school administrators.

2. Makes technical changes.

4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.

Amendments Adopted by Committee

1. Adopted the strike-everything amendment.

2. Applies K-12 hearing evaluation rules and requirements to preschools.

3. Removes the revision of the vision screening definition.

Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole

1. Removes the application of K-12 hearing evaluation rules and requirements to preschools.

2. Requires DHS vision screening rules to be made in consultation with:

a) ophthalmologists;

b) optometrists;

c) school nurses;

d) pediatricians; and

e) school administrators.

Senate Action

APPROP         2/22/22      DPA/SE      9-0-1

Prepared by Senate Research

March 9, 2022

MM/MC/sr