HB 443 - Optometry Summary

• Licensed optometrists are prohibited from using the terms "physician" or "board certified" in advertising or describing their practice.

• Licensed optometrists must immediately refer patients with angle closure, neovascular, infantile, congenital, or progressive glaucoma to a physician licensed to treat eye diseases.

• Postoperative care provided by optometrists following ophthalmologist-performed surgery must follow a written protocol confirming the surgery was delegated based on medical appropriateness and patient benefit, not economic considerations, and patients must receive written disclosure of the delegation and fees before care begins.

• Optometrists and operating ophthalmologists must each submit itemized statements of services rendered and fees charged to patients, insurers, and relevant administrative agencies, prohibiting them from charging for services they did not render.

• A new adverse incident reporting requirement mandates optometrists report to the Department of Health any incidents requiring hospital transfer, physician care, permanent injury, vision loss, death, or adverse drug reactions within 15 days, with the department publishing quarterly and annual summaries of trends.

• The act takes effect July 1, 2013.