Sunset Continue Regulation Of Optometry

Sunset Process - House Health and Insurance Committee. The bill implements the recommendations of the department of regulatory agencies (department), as specified in the department's sunset review of the state board of optometry (board), as follows:

• Sections 1 and 2 of the bill continue the board and the regulation of optometry for 11 years, until September 1, 2033;
• Section 3 authorizes the board to expand the definition of the practice of optometry by rule to include any service, procedure, or treatment that is within the training and skills of optometrists based on the standardized examination required for licensure; adds certain treatments and procedures to the scope of the practice of optometry;
• Section 4 removes the exemption for optometrists from the requirement to notify the board in the event that the optometrist is unable to treat patients with reasonable skill and safety; and
• Section 5 removes references to the "National Board of Examiners in Optometry" and clarifies that the board may designate any national standardized examination that tests the applicant's ability to practice optometry as a requirement for licensure; and
• Section 5 also requires an optometrist licensed by the board to complete certain education, examination, and reporting requirements to perform laser procedures or treat ocular adnexa.

(Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.)

(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)