Modifies the scope of practice for optometry, enumerates the advanced procedures an optometrist may perform with a license endorsement, and specifies procedures that an optometrist may not perform.
Requires optometrists to submit information to the Optometry Board (Board) on the outcomes of every advanced procedure and for the Board, in coordination with the Department of Health, to issue a report on the outcomes annually until December 31, 2028.
Authorizes the Board to provide rulemaking regarding the allowable procedures and their educational requirements for the practice of optometry.
Allows the State Health Officer to authorize optometrists to administer inoculations for systemic health reasons during public health emergencies.
From the Substitute House Bill Report (SSB 5389), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
AN ACT Relating to the practice of optometry, including expanding the optometric scope of practice to include specified procedures not including the use of lasers, requiring a licensing endorsement to perform these procedures that is based upon mandated educational criteria and hands-on training, and amending the board of optometry's operating procedures;