MS HB22

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

Mandates the State Board of Health establish regulations defining minimum criteria for eye examinations, including visual acuity, ocular alignment, refraction, and dilated fundus examination.

Requires students to present proof of an oral health assessment by a licensed dentist or dental health professional performed within 12 months before initial enrollment, effective July 1, 2021.

Specifies that oral health assessments must examine teeth eruption, tooth abnormalities, dental caries, oral plaque, and other anomalies; allows parents to opt out due to financial burden, lack of access, or non-consent.

Allows medical professionals providing free vision and dental services to students without adequate insurance to claim tax deductions equal to the actual cost of services rendered.