Brief(1)
H.B. 2117 amends the optometry laws to expand the scope of practice of optometry to include low vision rehabilitation services; the prescribing, administration, or dispensing of specified oral drugs; and the use of topical and oral drugs for the examination and diagnosis of insufficiencies or abnormal conditions of the eye. The authority to prescribe oral drugs is limited to optometrists who hold a therapeutic license and, in the case of two of the drugs, consult with an ophthalmologist. H.B. 2117 prohibits the administration or prescribing of oral drugs by optometrists to individuals who are less than six years of age. Optometrists are given authority to direct and supervise licensed professional and licensed practical nurses, registered physical therapists, and registered occupational therapists who assist in providing low vision rehabilitation services. Definitions of "low vision rehabilitation services" and "oral drugs" are added to the optometric law, and the definition of "therapeutic licensee" is expanded.
H.B. 2117 makes changes in the requirements to be met by applicants for a reciprocal Kansas license; adds authority for the Board of Optometric Examiners to require an applicant whose license has lapsed or been canceled to take an examination as a condition of reinstatement; increases the number of continuing education hours required for relicensure and provides that five hours must be in specified subjects; adds to the definition of professional incompetence unlawful prescription, purchase, or sale of prescription drugs or controlled substances; extends the life of and charge to the interprofessional advisory committee created pursuant to statute; gives the Board new authority to assess civil fines not in excess of $10,000; and conforms the optometry laws to changes in the professional corporation laws.
The House Committee amendment is technical.
Background
The 1996 Legislature in amending the optometry laws added a new statute to the optometry law directing the Board of Optometric Examiners to appoint an interprofessional advisory committee; set out specific responsibilities to be carried out by the committee; and directed that a report be submitted to the Legislature no later than January 1, 1999. H.B. 2117 is the result of the recommendations of the interprofessional advisory committee and recommendations of the Board.
During the Committee hearing on H.B. 2117, representatives of the Kansas Optometric Association, the Kansas State Ophthalmological Society, the Kansas Medical Society, Kansas Occupational Therapy Association, and Via Christi appeared in support of the bill.
The fiscal note on H.B. 2117 indicates there would be no fiscal impact from passage of the bill.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html.