SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 702
91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CASKEY.
Pre-filed December 1, 2001, and 1,000 copies ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
3043S.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 209, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to rehabilitation services for the blind and visually impaired.
Section A. Chapter 209, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 209.343, to read as follows:
209.343. 1. There is hereby created in the state treasury the "Older Visually Impaired Missourians Fund" which shall be administered by rehabilitation services for the blind, within the department of social services. Moneys appropriated to this fund shall be used to provide services to older Missourians who have experienced an irreparable, irreversible vision loss.
2. Subject to the availability of funds in the older visually impaired Missourians fund, the department shall develop a program to provide the services necessary to preserve and enhance the independence and dignity of older visually impaired citizens and to provide screening and treatment, including but not limited to, low vision evaluation and low vision equipment for persons who do not have adequate coverage for visual services under a health benefit plan.
3. The program shall provide for:
(1) Provision of training, services and equipment needed to preserve and enhance the independence of older persons with severe vision loss;
(2) Public education about eye conditions affecting older citizens;
(3) Treatment procedures necessary to prevent further vision loss;
(4) Evaluation of the effect of vision loss on older citizens' abilities to function independently.
4. The department may contract for services with any department-approved organization dealing with regional and community vision intervention and rehabilitation services.
5. The department may adopt rules to prescribe eligibility requirements for the program. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, RSMo, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536, RSMo, and, if applicable, section 536.028, RSMo. This section and chapter 536, RSMo, are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536, RSMo, to review, to delay the effective date or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2002, shall be invalid and void.