ARIZONA STATE SENATE
RESEARCH STAFF
TO: MEMBERS OF THE SENATE
APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
DATE: February 18, 2022
SUBJECT: Strike everything amendment to S.B. 1319, relating to vision screening; program
Purpose
Requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to consult recognized nonprofit
organizations when adopting vision screening rules and includes electronic vision screening
devices and Snellen eye charts in the definition of vision screening.
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 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.
ยง 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 recognized nonprofit
organizations that provide free vision screening services, training, vision screening grants,
eyeglasses or examinations.
MAELINN CHOW
ASSISTANT RESEARCH ANALYST
MICHAEL MADDEN
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Telephone: (602) 926-3171 STRIKER MEMO
S.B. 1319
Page 2
2. Removes, from the definition of vision screening, the evaluation of depth perception, color
vision and refraction.
3. Includes, in the definition of vision screening, the use of electronic vision screening devices or
Snellen eye charts for the evaluation of visual acuity.
4. Makes a technical change.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.