Child performer advisory board to prevent eating disorders

§ 154. Child performer advisory board to prevent eating disorders. 1. The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of mental health, shall establish a child performer advisory board for the purpose of recommending guidelines for the employment of child performers and models under the age of eighteen and preventing eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa amongst such persons. The advisory board shall consist of at least sixteen but no more than twenty members appointed by the commissioner, and shall include: representatives of professional organizations or unions representing child performers or models; employers representing child performers or models; physicians, nutritionists and mental health professionals with demonstrated expertise in treating patients with eating disorders; at least one representative from each of the comprehensive care centers for eating disorders established pursuant to article thirty of the mental hygiene law; advocacy organizations working to prevent and treat eating disorders; and other members deemed necessary by the commissioner. In addition, the commissioner of health and the commissioner of mental health, or their designees, shall serve on the advisory board. The members of the advisory board shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

2. The advisory board is authorized to develop recommendations to the commissioner establishing guidelines relating to the employment of child performers and models under the age of eighteen for purposes of preventing and accessing treatment for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa amongst such child performers and models. When developing such guidelines, the advisory board shall consider (a) body mass index standards or weight and height standards, (b) employment restrictions for persons diagnosed with or suspected of having an eating disorder, (c) requiring medical or mental health screenings, by medical or mental health professionals with demonstrated expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, for persons suspected of having an eating disorder, and (d) requiring referrals for treatment of eating disorders.

3. The advisory board shall further develop recommendations for educational and informational materials for such child performers and models, their parents and/or guardians and their employers regarding awareness and recognition of eating disorders, and referral and treatment information of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

4. The commissioner shall consider the recommendations developed by the advisory board, which include employment guidelines and the development of educational and informational materials pursuant to this section, when adopting, promulgating, amending and rescinding the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. The advisory board shall report to the commissioner regarding its recommendations, including the guidelines, programs and findings developed pursuant to this section.