Subject of Possible Rule Making: Changing the scope of practice for optometrists. The board of optometry (board) is proposing to amend, establish new, and possibly repeal sections in chapter 246-851 WAC to implement SSB 5389 (chapter 400, Laws of 2023), which expands the optometrist scope of practice to include certain advanced procedures and establishes requirements for a license endorsement.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.54.070, 18.53.010; SSB 5389 (chapter 400, Laws of 2023).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: SSB 5389 expands the scope of practice for optometrists, including allowing certain advanced procedures. The new law requires the board to adopt rules for education, training, and exams to implement a license endorsement allowing optometrists to perform the advanced procedures. The board will also examine rules establishing adverse reporting requirements regarding the advanced procedures performed under the license endorsement.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kristina Bell, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, phone 360-236-4947, fax 360-236-2901, TTY 711, email Kristina.bell@doh.wa.gov, website doh.wa.gov.

Additional comments: Rule-making notices will be delivered via GovDelivery. To receive notices, interested persons may sign up for any or all of the lists. Please go to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOH/subscriber/new. After signing in, please click open the box labeled "Health Systems Quality Assurance." Next, click open the box labeled "Health Professions." From there, you may check the box next to one or more of the professions listed.