Wash. Admin. Code § 246-760-080

Current through Register Vol. 24-23, December 1, 2024

Section 246-760-080 - Vision screening procedures

(1) A school shall:

(a) Screen children with their corrective lenses on;

(b) Place the results of screening, any referrals, and referral results in each student's health record; and

(c) Forward the results to the student's new school if the student transfers.

(2) If a student meets the referral criteria set forth in WAC 246-760-071 during the first vision screening and the screening was conducted by a lay person, then the school nurse, or the school principal or his or her designee as qualified under WAC 246-760-100(4) shall rescreen the student within two weeks or as soon as possible after the original screening before referring the child to a licensed vision care professional for an assessment.

(3) If the student meets the referral criteria set forth in WAC 246-760-071 during the first vision screening, and the screening was conducted by the school nurse; the school principal or his or her designee; a volunteer who is a licensed vision care professional; or an individual trained by and conducting vision screening on behalf of a nationally recognized service organization that utilizes a test-retest protocol for vision screening, a school may either refer the student after the first screening or rescreen the student at the discretion of the school nurse, or the school principal or his or her designee.

(4) A school shall notify a child's parent or guardian with a written referral if a child meets the referral criteria set forth in WAC 246-760-071 during:

(a) The first screening if a rescreening is not required; or

(b) The second screening if a rescreening is required or is conducted at the discretion of the school nurse, or the school principal or his or designee.

(5) This written referral shall indicate that school-based vision screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination, include the screening results, and include language recommending that:

(a) The parent or guardian take the child to a licensed vision care professional to receive a comprehensive eye examination; and

(b) An appropriate remedy, such as corrective lenses, be obtained if indicated.

(6) Only the school nurse, or the school principal or his or her designee may notify a child's parent or guardian in order to refer the student for professional care. A school nurse, or school principal or his or her designee shall notify parents or guardians in writing that their child should be evaluated by a licensed vision care professional when:

(a) The student meets the referral criteria for vision screening tests conducted under WAC 246-760-071; or

(b) The school nurse, or school principal or his or her designee observes other signs or symptoms related to eye problems that negatively impact the student's learning; or

(c) The student is unable to complete vision screening for any reason.

Wash. Admin. Code § 246-760-080

Amended by WSR 17-03-009, Filed 1/4/2017, effective 7/1/2017

Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.210.200. 02-20-079, § 246-760-080, filed 9/30/02, effective 10/31/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-760-080, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.31.030. 87-22-010 (Order 306), § 248-148-123, filed 10/26/87.