Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2515
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Authorizing physician assistants to perform opthalmic-related services under employment or supervision by a medical doctor or an osteopathic physician.
Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Clibborn, Jinkins, Cody and Schmick.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/12
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
A licensed physician assistant is a person who is licensed to practice medicine to a limited extent under the supervision of a physician and who is academically and clinically prepared to provide health care services and perform diagnostic, therapeutic, preventative, and health maintenance services. Physician assistants may perform routine visual screenings, but may not perform:
the measurement of the powers or range of human vision, or the determination of the accommodation and refractive state of the human eye or the scope of its functions in general, or the fitting or adaptation of lenses or frames for the aid thereof;
the prescribing or directing the use of, or using, an optical device in connection with ocular exercises, visual training, or orthoptics; or
the prescribing of contact lenses for, or the fitting or adaptation of contact lenses to, the human eye.
Summary of Bill:
The prohibition against a physician assistant performing the following vision-related services is removed:
the measurement of the powers or range of human vision, or the determination of the accommodation and refractive state of the human eye or the scope of its functions in general, or the fitting or adaptation of lenses or frames for the aid thereof;
the prescribing or directing the use of, or using, an optical device in connection with ocular exercises, visual training, or orthoptics; or
the prescribing of contact lenses for, or the fitting or adaptation of contact lenses to, the human eye.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2012.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.