Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

SB 6227

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning the practice of opticianry.

Sponsors: Senators Becker, Marr, Parlette and Keiser.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows students in an opticianry program to practice opticianry without a license as long as such practice is part of his or her education program.

Hearing Date: 2/18/10

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

A licensed dispensing optician is a person who:

A person qualifies for licensure as a dispensing optician if he or she:

There are no statutory provisions allowing a student studying opticianry in a college or university to participate in a practicum without a license. Such students must therefore designate themselves as apprentices in order to complete these requirements.

Summary of Bill:

A regularly enrolled student in a prescribed course in opticianry in a college or university approved by the Secretary may practice opticianry without a license as long as the practice is pursuant to a regular course of instruction or assignments from an instructor and as long as the student is supervised by a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. A person practicing in this manner must be clearly identified as a student.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.