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H 202

HEALTH AND WELFARE – Amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to remove provisions previously related to the Department of Health and Welfare that are now assigned to other state agencies.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Bill H 202 ensures all preschoolers in Massachusetts receive vision screenings, improving eye health access for underserved children and closing the achievement gap.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 12, 2025 Session Law Chapter 47 Effective: 07/01/2025
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Bill Summary · H 202

Summary of Bill H 202: An Act to Close the Achievement Gap by Addressing Disparities in Children's Vision

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 202 aims to address disparities in children's vision and eye health in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The primary goal is to close the achievement gap that affects children, particularly those from underserved communities, by ensuring equitable access to vision care and improving overall eye health.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to existing laws:

  1. Amendments to Chapter 71:

    • Removal of Parental Request Requirement: The bill removes the requirement for a parent or guardian's individual request for vision screenings, thereby facilitating broader access.
    • Inclusion of Preschoolers: It mandates vision screenings for children entering preschool, ensuring early detection and intervention.

  2. Establishment of a Children's Vision and Eye Health Advisory Council:

    • The bill creates a council within the Department of Public Health, chaired by the commissioner and comprising 13 additional members from various health and education sectors, including optometrists, pediatricians, and parents.
    • The council's responsibilities include advising on the establishment and maintenance of a universal children's vision surveillance registry and public health campaigns to promote eye health.

  3. Creation of a Children's Vision Registry:

    • A computerized registry will be established to record the results of vision screenings and follow-up care.
    • Licensed healthcare providers will be required to report screening data to this registry, which will be protected to ensure confidentiality.

  4. Data Privacy and Access:

    • The bill outlines strict controls on the release of information from the registry, allowing access only to authorized healthcare providers and school nurses, while ensuring the privacy of children's data.

  5. Annual Reporting:

    • The advisory council will be required to report its findings and recommendations annually to the Joint Committee on Public Health and the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

Affected Parties

  • Children: The bill primarily impacts children, especially those entering preschool and those from low-income families who may lack access to vision care.
  • Healthcare Providers: Optometrists, pediatricians, and school nurses will play critical roles in implementing the provisions of the bill.
  • Parents and Guardians: Parents will benefit from improved access to vision screenings and the assurance that their children's eye health is being monitored.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Hearing Scheduled: A hearing for the bill is set for November 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in room A-2.
  • Committee Referral: The bill has been referred to the committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, and the Senate has concurred with its introduction.

Conclusion

Bill H 202 represents a proactive approach to addressing children's vision health disparities in Massachusetts. By establishing a framework for universal vision screenings and creating a dedicated advisory council, the bill seeks to ensure that all children have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, free from the barriers posed by untreated vision problems.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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