By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a proposal amending a current law that requires every child in public schools and for children in private schools, at the request of their parents or guardians, to be tested for postural defects at least once annually in grades five through nine. The amendment would reduce the mandated frequency of testing to at least once in grades five through nine.

“I filed this bill after learning from my daughter, a school nurse, about the impact on students and staffing demands created by annual postural screenings,” said sponsor Rep. Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell). “Many students are already screened by their pediatricians or primary care physicians during routine physicals, making the annual school requirement repetitive. This bill keeps the screening requirement in place while giving schools the flexibility to conduct it once during grades six through nine instead of every year. It’s a practical update that allows school nurses to focus more of their time on students’ immediate health needs without compromising student care.”

Rep. Sean Reid (D-Lynn), another sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated attempts by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the passage of the measure and explain why he filed it.

ALLOW CONSUMERS TO USE INSURANCE ADJUSTERS (S 785) – The House and Senate, on voice votes without a roll call, approved and sent to the governor legislation that would prohibit insurance companies from including in an insurance policy, a rider that prohibits the insured from hiring or using a public insurance adjuster.

“An insured that has paid its premiums faithfully should have the choice to hire a public adjuster qualified to read the policy and get the claim paid,” said sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “Both branches have now said plainly that a clause taking that choice away does not belong in a Massachusetts insurance policy.”

“The passage of [the bill] is great news for Massachusetts residents because it ensures they can continue to access the professional services and expertise of an insurance adjuster to help them file a claim and negotiate directly with the insurance company,” said co-sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). I am hopeful that Gov. Healey will act quickly to sign these pro-consumer protections into law.”