SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5193

BYSenators Amondson, Madsen, Anderson, Newhouse, Kreidler, McMullen, Talmadge and Warnke

Revising provisions of the optometry statutes.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 24, 1989; February 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5193 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Smith, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Johnson, Kreidler.

Minority Report:  Do not pass and do not substitute.

      Signed by Senators West, Chairman; Niemi, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  February 2, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, FEBRUARY 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Currently licensed optometrists may be certified by the Board of Optometry to use certain topically administered drugs for the purpose of diagnosing conditions of the eye.  The certified optometrist must have a minimum of 60 hours of didactic and clinical instruction in general and ocular pharmacology as applied to the practice of optometry from an accredited institute of higher education.  Optometrists are not permitted to use drugs for therapeutic purposes.

SUMMARY:

Optometrists are permitted to use certain topically administered drugs for therapeutic purposes when certified by the Board of Optometry.  The board is directed to establish a formulary of drugs to be used for diagnostic and treatment purposes.  An additional 75 hours of didactic and clinical instruction is required for certification to use drugs for therapeutic purposes.  Educational programs must be approved by the U.S. Office of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. Pharmacists may legally fill prescriptions of licensed optometrists for topically applied drugs.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE: 

The Board of Optometry is required to verify certified optometrists for the purpose of issuing prescriptions.  Language is added to clarify that licensed optometrists certified by the board are authorized to prescribe topically applied therapeutic drugs.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 18, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: PRO:  Steven Jaffe, O.D., David Stanfield, O.D., Washington Optometric Association; Dr. Helgi Heidar; CON:  Dr. Schneper, Washington State Medical Association; Dr. Phillips, WSAO; Mike Ryherd, WSAO; Don Williams, Pharmacy Board