HB 1951-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Requires the department of health to convene a work group to reevaluate visual screening of children in public schools and make any recommendations regarding changes to the rules. In developing its recommendations, the work group shall, at a minimum: (1) Consider the benefits of complete eye exams on public school children;

(2) Consider when visual screening, complete eye exams, or both should take place in preschool or kindergarten through high school in order to ensure children are best prepared for the learning environment; and

(3) Consider what screening techniques would be appropriate in a school setting.

Provides that, in developing the recommendations, the department of health shall consult with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the state board of health, the optometric physicians of Washington, and the Washington academy of eye physicians and surgeons.

Requires the work group to make a preliminary report to the legislature and the state board of health by December 1, 2005. The work group shall make final recommendations to the legislature and to the state board of health by December 1, 2006.

Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.