AS PASSED BY COMMITTEE
AMENDED
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
RESEARCH STAFF
TO: MEMBERS OF THE SENATE
DATE: February 24, 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 applies kindergarten through 12th grade
(K-12) vision screening rules and requirements to preschools.
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.
MAELINN CHOW
ASSISTANT RESEARCH ANALYST
MICHAEL MADDEN
LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Telephone: (602) 926-3171 STRIKER MEMO – Amended
S.B. 1319
Page 2
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.
2. Applies K-12 vision screening rules and requirements to preschools.
3. Makes technical changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
1. Applies K-12 vision screening rules and requirements to preschools.
2. Removes the revision of the vision screening definition.
Senate Action
APPROP 2/22/22 DPA 9-0-1