MS HB445

Requires all students enrolling in kindergarten, first grade, or entering a Mississippi public, private, or parochial school for the first time to receive a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist within six months before enrollment, effective July 1, 2017.

Mandates oral health assessments by a licensed dentist or dental health professional for the same student populations, performed no earlier than 12 months before initial enrollment, with results reported to parents and schools by December 31 each year.

Directs the State Board of Health to establish regulations and standards for both eye examinations and oral health assessments, and creates an advisory committee of six eye care professionals from optometric and ophthalmology associations.

Allows students to be excused from eye examinations and oral assessments upon written parental request or due to financial burden, lack of access to providers, or parental non-consent.

Permits medical professionals providing free vision or dental services to uninsured students to claim tax deductions for the actual cost of services provided, with state funding for uncovered costs not to exceed Medicaid or CHIP reimbursement rates.