Bill > S166

This bill aims to improve children's vision screening and eye health in Massachusetts by making several key changes to existing law. The legislation removes the requirement that vision screenings only occur at a parent or guardian's request and expands screening to include preschool-aged children. The bill establishes a new Children's Vision and Eye Health Advisory Council within the state department, consisting of 13 members representing various medical, educational, and parent organizations. This council will advise the department on children's vision and eye health matters, including developing public health campaigns and recommending improvements to screening systems. Additionally, the bill creates a computerized children's vision registry that will collect and maintain screening and eye care data from licensed healthcare providers. The registry will have strict privacy protections, allowing access only to specific authorized users like healthcare providers, school nurses, and state agency staff, and will enable research to enhance understanding of children's vision needs. Researchers must submit written requests and execute agreements protecting confidentiality. The advisory council will be required to submit annual reports to legislative committees, helping to track progress and identify future vision health goals for children in the state.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S166