Report Title:

Vision Evaluation at School Entry

 

Description:

Requires each student to have a vision evaluation done by an ophthalmologist, physician, optometrist, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse 6 months before entering the beginning grade of any school in the State, at parents' cost.  Gives parents right to refuse examination.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2571

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

relating to student health.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Section 302A-1159, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§302A-1159  Physical examination required.  (a)  No child shall be admitted to any school for the first time in the State unless the child presents to the appropriate school official a report from a licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse of the results of a physical examination performed within a year of the date of entry into school.  There shall also be a vision evaluation by an ophthalmologist, physician, optometrist, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse within six months prior to the entrance of a child into the beginner grade or, in the case of a transfer from another state, to any other grade of a school within the State, which consists of testing for amblyopia, strabismus, and internal and external eye health, with testing sufficient to determine visual acuity; provided that no visual evaluation shall be required of any child whose parent or guardian objects in writing.  The cost of the vision evaluation shall be borne by the parent or guardian of each child who is examined.  A child may enter school provisionally upon submitting written documentation from a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or other authorized representative of the department of health, stating that the child is in the process of undergoing a physical examination.  Further documentation showing that the required physical examination has been completed shall be submitted to the appropriate school official no later than three months after the child first entered the school.

     (b)  At the time the parent or guardian of any child is notified that the child is required to have a vision evaluation pursuant to subsection (a), the parent or guardian shall also be notified in writing of the right to submit a written statement refusing a vision evaluation for the child."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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