S-0730.1  _______________________________________________

 

                         SENATE BILL 5283

          _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1995 Regular Session

 

By Senators C. Anderson, McCaslin and Wojahn

 

Read first time 01/18/95.  Referred to Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care.

 

Altering the composition of the optometry board.



    AN ACT Relating to the optometry board; amending RCW 18.54.030; and declaring an emergency.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

    Sec. 1.  RCW 18.54.030 and 1984 c 279 s 54 are each amended to read as follows:

    The initial composition of the optometry board includes the three members of the examining committee for optometry plus two more optometrists to be appointed by the governor.  Effective July 1, 1995, the composition of the optometry board will include three optometrists, one ophthalmologist, and one optician to be appointed by the governor.  The appointments of the ophthalmologist and optician shall be made to fill the first two vacancies occurring on the optometry board on or after July 1, 1995.  The governor shall select the ophthalmologist member from a list of three qualified ophthalmologists provided by the Washington academy of eye physicians and surgeons.  The governor shall select the optician from a list of three qualified opticians provided by the opticians association of Washington.

    The governor must make all appointments to the optometry board.  Only optometrists, ophthalmologists, and opticians who are citizens of the United States, residents of this state, having been licensed to practice and practicing optometry, ophthalmology, or a practicing optician in this state for a period of at least four years immediately preceding the effective date of appointment, and who have no connection with any school or college embracing the teaching of optometry, ophthalmology, or the skills necessary to become an optician, or with any optical supply business may be appointed.

    The governor may set the terms of office of the initial board at his discretion, to establish the following perpetual succession:  The terms of the initial board include one position for one year, two for two years and two for three years; and upon the expiration of the terms of the initial board, all appointments are for three years.

    In addition to the members specified in this section, the governor shall appoint a consumer member of the board, who shall serve for a term of three years.

    In the event that a vacancy occurs on the board in the middle of an appointee's term, the governor must appoint a successor for the unexpired portion of the term only.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.

 


                            --- END ---