Amendment #593 to H4600

Addressing Disparities in Children’s Vision

Ms. Barber of Somerville moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

“SECTION XXXX. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding after section 244 the following section:

Section 245. There shall be a children’s vision and eye health advisory council within the department. The council shall be appointed by the commissioner, who shall serve as chair, and shall consist of 13 additional members, including the commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or a designee; the Commissioner of Early Education and Care, or a designee; the Assistant Secretary for MassHealth, or a designee; 1 member of the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization; 1 member of the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists; 1 member of the Massachusetts Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons; 1 member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; 1 member of the Massachusetts Academy of Family Physicians; 1 representative from the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers; 1 member of the Massachusetts Federation for Children with Special Needs; 1 member of the Children’s Vision Massachusetts Coalition; 3 parents to be appointed by the commissioner, one of whom shall be a recipient of MassHealth, and one of whom shall reside in a gateway city.  The commissioner may appoint additional members that the commissioner deems appropriate. Council members shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed actual and necessary expenses in the performance of their council duties. The council shall consult with and advise the department on matters related to the establishment, maintenance, operation and evaluation of children’s vision and eye health in the Commonwealth, including but not limited to the universal children’s vision surveillance registry, public health campaigns designed to encourage improved children’s eye health, and expansion of screening systems to other age groups. The council shall establish recommendations for improved children’s vision and eye health to facilitate short and long-term vision and eye health goals. The advisory council shall report findings and recommendations annually to the Joint Committee on Public Health and Joint Committee on Ways and Means.”

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #593 to H4600

Addressing Disparities in Children’s Vision