Mississippi House Bill HB163

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/23
• Refer: 1/4/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

"Mississippi Eyes on Smiling Students Health Act"; enact to require vision screening and oral health assessments for certain students.

Impact

The implementation of HB163 will create a framework for monitoring children's health in relation to their educational needs. It is anticipated that by requiring these health assessments at an early stage, issues related to vision and dental health can be identified and addressed promptly, which might improve overall student performance and wellbeing in Mississippi schools. The bill also includes provisions for the State Department of Health to cover any costs for assessments not covered by insurance, potentially easing the financial burden on families. This is particularly beneficial for lower-income families who may struggle to afford these services otherwise.

Summary

House Bill 163, known as the Mississippi Eyes on Smiling Students Health Act (MESSHA), aims to enhance the health of students entering kindergarten or the first grade by mandating comprehensive eye examinations and oral health assessments. Under this legislation, all children enrolling in Mississippi public, private, or parochial schools for the first time will be required to undergo these assessments to ensure early detection and treatment of vision and dental issues that could affect their learning and development. The bill stipulates that the State Board of Health will develop regulations to establish standards for these examinations, ensuring consistency across schools.

Contention

Despite the intended benefits, there are potential points of contention surrounding HB163. Critics might argue that mandatory health assessments could place additional administrative burdens on schools and parents, especially regarding compliance and reporting. There could also be concerns about privacy and data management when schools collect health-related information about students. Moreover, opposition may arise related to ensuring equitable access to health care providers across different regions of the state, particularly in rural areas where such services may not be readily available. These and other concerns could affect public perception and support for the bill.