Senate Committee Substitute

SCS/SB 542 - This act modifies laws relating to the licensing of optometrists.

The act Modifies the definition of "the practice of optometry" and relocates provisions relating to the scope of practice found in other sections into this definition.

The act allows for reciprocity for out-of-state licensees. The act raises the continuing education requirements from 8 hours annually to 32 hours within a 2 year period.

Current law requires 24 hours of continuing education in order to renew an expired license. This act requires 48 hours.

The act modifies the notice requirements for board meetings by reducing the time period from 30 days to 10 days.

The act requires optometrists who are only authorized to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents to refer patients to a physician under certain circumstances.

The act allows advertising for all optometrists as long as the name of the licensee is displayed at all practice locations.

This act is similar to HB 830 (2007), SB 308 (2007), and HB 780 (2007).

CHRIS HOGERTY


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