SB 876 — Optometry

Summary

Optometry; Revising the member composition requirements for the Board of Optometry; revising circumstances under which a certified optometrist may administer or prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents; requiring the board to adopt a negative formulary of ocular pharmaceutical agents certified optometrists are prohibited from administering or prescribing; authorizing certain certified optometrists to perform laser and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapies under certain circumstances; requiring the board to determine the required content, grading criteria, and passing score for the licensure examination for certified optometrists; authorizing certified optometrists to remove superficial foreign bodies, etc.

Bill Text

• Introduced S 876 Filed Current html

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill modifies several provisions related to the practice of optometry in Florida, including the administration of ocular pharmaceutical agents and the authority of certified optometrists.

• 463.0055

  However, a licensed practitioner who is not certified may use topically applied anesthetics solely for the purpose of glaucoma examinations, but is otherwise prohibited from administering or prescribing ocular pharmaceutical agents.

  Removes the limitation on non-certified practitioners regarding the use of topically applied anesthetics.

• 463.0055

  Before a certified optometrist may administer or prescribe oral ocular pharmaceutical agents, the certified optometrist must provide proof to the department of successful completion of a course and subsequent examination, approved by the board, on general and ocular pharmaceutical agents and the side effects of

  Eliminates the requirement for proof of course completion before administering oral ocular pharmaceutical agents.

• 463.0055

  the board to adopt a negative formulary of ocular pharmaceutical agents certified optometrists are prohibited from administering or prescribing;

  Introduces a requirement for the board to create a negative formulary for ocular pharmaceutical agents.

• 463.014

  It is unlawful for a certified optometrist to perform surgery, except as provided in s. 463.0135, and except for the performance of an ophthalmic procedure.

  Lifts the prohibition on certified optometrists performing surgery, conforming to changes made by the act.

• 463.002

  "Optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures" means a certified optometrist who is authorized under s. 463.0056 to perform board-approved laser and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapy in accordance with that section. → "Optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures" means a certified optometrist who is authorized to perform board-approved laser and non-laser ophthalmic procedures and therapy in accordance with s. 463.0056.

  Clarifies the definition of a certified optometrist certified in ophthalmic procedures.

• 463.003

  Five members of the board must be certified optometrists or optometrists certified in ophthalmic procedures licensed practitioners actively practicing in this state. → Five members of the board must be certified optometrists or optometrists certified in ophthalmic procedures actively practicing in this state.

  Adjusts language for clarity in Board of Optometry member composition.

• 463.005

  The Board of Optometry shall has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter conferring duties upon it. → The Board of Optometry has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter conferring duties upon it.

  Modifies the language regarding the authority of the Board of Optometry.

• 463.005

  Such rules must shall include, but need not be limited to, rules relating to all of the following: → Such rules must include, but need not be limited to, rules relating to all of the following:

  Streamlines the language in the provision about the Board's rule-making authority.

• 463.0055

  Certified optometrists may administer ocular pharmaceutical agents as provided in this section for the diagnosis and treatment of ocular conditions of the human eye and its appendages without the use of surgery or other invasive techniques.

  Clarifies the authority of certified optometrists to administer and prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents.

• 463.0057

  This section does not apply to certified optometrists who are authorized to perform surgical procedures.

  Conforms to changes made by the act allowing certified optometrists to perform some surgical procedures.

Action History

1. April 30, 2021

   Died in Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services

2. March 10, 2021

   Now in Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services

3. March 10, 2021

   Favorable by Health Policy; YEAS 6 NAYS 3

4. March 05, 2021

   On Committee agenda-- Health Policy, 03/10/21, 10:30 am, 412 Knott Building

5. March 03, 2021

   On Committee agenda-- Health Policy, 03/03/21, 12:00 pm, 412 Knott Building --Temporarily Postponed

6. March 02, 2021

   Introduced

7. February 04, 2021

   Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services; Appropriations

8. January 27, 2021

   Filed

Sponsors

• Diaz · Primary

Votes

Subjects