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GA HB775

Bill

Status

Passed

5/3/2016

Primary Sponsor

Earl Ehrhart

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2015-2016 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Extends existing restrictions on the sale and dispensing of contact lenses to also cover spectacles (prescription eyeglasses), prohibiting any person from selling, dispensing, or serving as a conduit for spectacles unless licensed under Chapter 29, 30, or 34 of Title 43 (dispensing opticians, optometrists, or physicians)
  • Requires an in-person eye examination before a prescription for contact lenses or spectacles can be written; the exam may include telemedicine at a physician's, optometrist's, or hospital setting but cannot consist solely of data from automated devices such as autorefractors or kiosks
  • Defines "spectacles" as vision-correcting or vision-enhancing optical devices worn by an individual, but explicitly excludes over-the-counter spectacles not exceeding +3.25 diopters, which may still be sold at retail without a prescription
  • Establishes criminal penalties for violations: one or two offenses constitute a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine up to $1,000; three or more offenses constitute a felony punishable by one to five years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000
  • Grants enforcement authority to the boards created under Chapters 29, 30, and 34 of Title 43 or any other interested person through civil proceedings, including injunction

Legislative Description

Health; restrictions on sale and dispensing of spectacles; provide

Last Action

Effective Date

7/1/2016

Full Bill Text

No bill text available