AL SB174

Expands the scope of optometry practice to include prescribing and administering narcotic analgesics under the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substances Act, except for Schedule I and II narcotics and Schedule III agents containing Hydrocodone (limited to 96-hour prescriptions for other Schedule III agents).

Authorizes optometrists to perform specific procedures including injections (excluding posterior eye chamber injections), chalazion removal, skin lesion biopsy, laser capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, laser peripheral iridotomy, and corneal crosslinking, while prohibiting cataract surgery, muscle surgery, retinal surgery, and other invasive ophthalmic surgeries.

Grants the Alabama Board of Optometry sole authority to determine what constitutes the practice of optometry and sole jurisdiction over optometry regulation, with power to issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings.

Authorizes optometrists to administer medications to counteract anaphylaxis and grants them authority to prescribe and administer steroid pharmaceutical agents.

Establishes the Alabama Board of Optometry as a certifying board under the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substances Act, except as limited by optometry regulations.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.