BILL NUMBER: AB 1840	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN SENATE  AUGUST 5, 2014
	AMENDED IN SENATE  JULY 2, 2014
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MAY 8, 2014
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 10, 2014
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MARCH 28, 2014

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Campos

                        FEBRUARY 18, 2014

   An act to amend Section 49455 of the Education Code, relating to
pupil health.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 1840, as amended, Campos. Pupil health: vision appraisal.
   Existing law requires, upon first enrollment in a California
school district of a child at a California elementary school, and at
least every 3rd year thereafter until the child has completed the 8th
grade, the child's vision to be appraised by the school nurse or
other authorized person, as specified.
   This bill would authorize a child's vision to be appraised by
using an eye chart or any  other  scientifically
validated photoscreening test. The bill would require photoscreening
tests to be performed, under an agreement with, or the supervision
of, an optometrist or ophthalmologist, by the school nurse or a
trained individual who meets requirements established by the State
Department of Education.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 49455 of the Education Code is amended to read:

   49455.  (a) Upon first enrollment in a California school district
of a child at a California elementary school, and at least every
third year thereafter until the child has completed the eighth grade,
the child's vision shall be appraised by the school nurse or other
authorized person under Section 49452. This appraisal shall include
tests for visual acuity and color vision; however, color vision shall
be appraised once and only on male children, and the results of the
appraisal shall be entered in the health record of the pupil. Color
vision appraisal need not begin until the male pupil has reached the
first grade. Gross external observation of the child's eyes, visual
performance, and perception shall be done by the school nurse and the
classroom teacher. The appraisal may be waived, if the child's
parents so desire, by their presenting of a certificate from a
physician and surgeon, a physician assistant practicing in compliance
with Chapter 7.7 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of the
Business and Professions Code, or an optometrist setting out the
results of a determination of the child's vision, including visual
acuity and color vision.
   (b) A child's vision may be appraised by using an eye chart or any
 other  scientifically validated photoscreening
test. Photoscreening tests shall be performed, under an agreement
with, or the supervision of, an optometrist or ophthalmologist, by
the school nurse or a trained individual who meets requirements
established by the department.
   (c) This section shall not apply to a child whose parents or
guardian file with the principal of the school in which the child is
enrolling, a statement in writing that they adhere to the faith or
teachings of any well-recognized religious sect, denomination, or
organization and in accordance with its creed, tenets, or principles
depend for healing upon prayer in the practice of their religion.