FL S0788

Authorizes certified optometrists to administer and prescribe ocular pharmaceutical agents (removing the restriction to only topical agents) for diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions without surgery or invasive techniques.

Requires Board of Optometry to adopt rules for administration and prescription of ocular pharmaceutical agents, with a formulary committee composed of two certified optometrists, two ophthalmologists, and one pharmacology doctorate holder to review and recommend additions or modifications.

Expands definition of "licensed practitioner" under clinical laboratory regulations to include optometrists licensed under chapter 463, allowing optometrists to operate clinical laboratories and submit specimens to other laboratories.

Includes certified optometrists in the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act as "practitioners," but prohibits them from administering or prescribing Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.