SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5967

BYSenators Bottiger, Newhouse and Peterson

Modifying provisions relating to the use of drugs in the practice of optometry.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1988

Senate Staff:Dee Knapp (786-7452)

AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The practice of optometry was licensed by the state in 1919 with a scope of practice which includes examination of the human eye for defects of the vision system and an analysis of the vision process.  In 1981, optometrists were authorized to use topically applied pharmaceutical agents for diagnostic purposes.  Current law, however, forbids the use of any drugs for therapeutic purposes.

SUMMARY:

Licensed optometrists, who possess a minimum of 75 hours of didactic and clinical instruction established by the Board of Optometry, are authorized to treat patients with topically applied pharmaceuticals.  The board is required to establish a formulary of drugs for diagnostic and treatment purposes limited to the practice of optometry for use by these optometrists.  An optometrist is defined as a practitioner who can legally prescribe, dispense, or administer these drugs, and pharmacists are authorized to fill their prescriptions.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested