HB 349 — relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.

HB 349-FN - ASVERSION INTRODUCEDADOPTED SESSIONBY 25-0692BOTH 05/09BODIES HOUSE7Jan2026... BILL 349-FN AN ACT relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.

2969h 7Jan2026...

0032h SESSION 25-0692 05/09 HOUSE BILL 349-FN AN ACT relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.

HB 349-FN - ASVERSION INTRODUCEDADOPTED 25-0692BY 05/09BOTH STATEBODIES OF7Jan2026... NEW HAMPSHIRE In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five AN ACT relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.

2969h 7Jan2026...

0032h 25-0692 05/09 STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five AN ACT relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.

and (c) Outcome reporting requirements for such procedures performed by certificate holders.holders;

and (d) A means of identification and verification of optometrists certified to perform advanced procedures.

No optometrist shall perform opthalmicophthalmic  laser procedures under this section unless the optometrist has submitted evidence of satisfactory completion of all requirements for specific procedures and the board has certified the optometrist as qualified.

IV.(a) To be certified by the board to perform ophthalmic laser procedures as specified in paragraph I, an optometrist licensed under this chapter shall:

(1) Complete the required application designated by the board;

and (2) Submit evidence of successful completion of a laser course approved by the board that includes didactic and clinical training relative to the ophthalmic laser procedures set forth in paragraph I;

and (3) Demonstrate clinical proficiency in performing the specified ophthalmic laser procedure on a living human eye in the presence of, under the direct supervision of, and to the HB 349-FN - VERSION ADOPTED BY BOTH BODIES - Page 2 - satisfaction of a board-approved proctor.

  The proctor shall be an ophthalmologist or an optometrist who is authorized to perform the laser procedure.

The licensed applicant shall submit to the board evidence of a minimum of 5 laser capsulotomy, 5 laser trabeculoplasty, and 4 laser peripheral iridotomy procedures performed with proficiency under proctored supervision.

(b) A licensee may apply for certification separately and may receive certification individually for each approved ophthalmic laser procedure based upon the above criteria applied individually for each approved procedure.

V.(a) An optometrist licensed under this chapter may apply for laser certification by endorsement from another state by completing the following:

(1) Complete the required application for laser certification by endorsement designated by the board.

(2) Submit evidence of licensure in good standing in another state.

(3) Provide certification by that state to perform the ophthalmic laser procedures as specified in paragraph I.

(4) Submit evidence of successful completion of a laser course approved by the board that includes didactic and clinical training relative to the ophthalmic laser procedures set forth in paragraph I.

(5) Submit evidence of successful completion of a minimum of 5 laser capsulotomy, 5 laser trabeculoplasty, and 4 laser peripheral iridotomy procedures performed.

(b) A licensee may apply for certification separately and may receive certification individually for each approved ophthalmic laser procedure based upon the above criteria applied individually for each approved procedure.

VI.

Prior to any procedure permitted under paragraph I, the licensee shall obtain a patient- signed informed consent form that includes the nature of the procedure, known potential benefits and risks/complications, alternative treatment options, expected prognosis without treatment, and the provider's credentials.

The signed informed consent form shall remain part of the patient's medical record.

LBA 25-0692 12/18/241/14/26 HB 349-FN- FISCAL NOTE AS INTRODUCEDAMENDED BY THE HOUSE (AMENDMENTS #2025-2969h and #2026-0032h) AN ACT relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.

Estimated State Impact FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 Indeterminable Indeterminable Indeterminable Revenue $0 Increase$0 Increase Increase Revenue Fund(s) Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Fund Indeterminable Indeterminable Indeterminable Expenditures* $0 Increase$0 Increase Increase ($10,000 to ($10,000 to ($10,000 to $100,000) $100,000) $100,000) Funding Source(s) Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Fund Appropriations* $0 $0 $0 $0 Funding Source(s) None *Expenditure = Cost of bill *Appropriation = Authorized funding to cover cost of bill METHODOLOGY:

It is assumed that any fiscal impact would occur after FY 2025.2026.