Summary:

 House Bill36/a  (HB36/a) Expand Optometry Board Scope of Practice
Synopsis: Providing additional sections to the Optometry Act, by expanding the Scope of Practice for the Board of Optometry with additional powers and duties.



 

Legislation Overview:

 House Bill36/a  (HB36/a) Relating to licensing sections of the Optometry Act, with additional powers and duties pertaining to laser application to the lens capsule and structures for the treatment of glaucoma, pressure and drug eluding implants. Services include laser application to structures with in the ocular anterior segment for the prevention or treatment of glaucoma, anterior chamber paracentesis in the emergent treatment of highly elevated intraocular pressure and intracameral placement of sustained release drug-eluding implants.
HB 36 also allows for credentialling for the use of laser. 

Amendments:

 HB36a: has been amended  by the Health and Human Services Committee with a Do Pass as amended . In Section 1, the language stating: (h)  anterior chamber paracentesis in the emergent treatment of highly elevated intraocular pressure; and (i)  intracameral placement of sustained release drug-eluting implants, is struck. 
A new Section 3 is provided to read:
"SECTION 3.  Section 61-2-15 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1973, Chapter 353, Section 13, as amended) is amended to read: "61-2-15.  EXEMPTIONS.-A.  Except for the provisions of [Section 61-2-14.1 and ] Sections 61-2-16 NMSA 1978 and as provided in this subsection, the Optometry Act does not apply to a licensed physician or a person, clinic or program under [his ] the licensed physician's responsible supervision and control; provided that the person, clinic or program under the responsible supervision and control of the licensed physician shall not use either loose or fixed trial lenses for the sole purpose of determining the prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. B.  Except as provided in Sections 61-2-2, 61-2-14, 61-2-16 and 61-2-17 NMSA 1978, the Optometry Act does not apply to a person selling eyeglasses who does not represent [himself person's own self ] the as being qualified to detect or correct ocular anomalies and who does not traffic upon assumed skill in adapting ophthalmic lenses to the eyes."".
HB36a is now forwarded to the House Judiciary Committee.