HB 2034-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/14/01)

     Authorizes optometrists to use and prescribe approved drugs for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes without limitation upon the methods of delivery in the practice of optometry.

     Requires the board to establish a list of Schedule III through V controlled substances, approved by the board of pharmacy, and no person licensed under this chapter shall prescribe, dispense, purchase, possess, or administer these drugs except as authorized and to the extent permitted by the board.

     Requires the board, in consultation with the board of pharmacy, to establish, by rule, specific guidelines for the prescription and administration of drugs by optometrists, so that licensed optometric physicians and persons filling their prescriptions have a clear understanding of which drugs and which dosages or forms are included in the authority granted by this section.

     Provides that no optometrist shall prescribe, dispense, or administer a controlled substance for more than seven days in treating a particular patient for a single trauma, episode, or condition.

     Declares that the prescription or administration of drugs as authorized in this section is specifically limited to those drugs appropriate to treatment of diseases or conditions of the human eye and its associated structure that are within the scope of practice of optometry.  The prescription or administration of drugs for any other purpose is not authorized by this section.

     Declares that nothing in this act shall be construed to authorize:  Administration of a drug by injection; surgery, including retinal repair surgery and laser in situ keratomileusis surgery; or the use, prescription, dispensing, purchase, possession, or administration of any Schedule I and II controlled substances.  The provisions of this section shall be strictly construed.