NY A09374

Requires the Commissioner of Health to establish best practice protocols for pediatric primary care providers to screen children ages 4 and younger for vision problems

Protocols must incorporate American Academy of Pediatrics standards and guidelines and be updated at least every two years

Mandates routine use of objective screening tools at regular intervals during critical childhood developmental stages

Requires an appropriate referral mechanism for children whose screening results indicate need for further evaluation

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for the department to begin developing necessary rules and regulations