ID H0317

Repeals existing Chapter 15, Title 54, Idaho Code and establishes a new "Optometric Physician Licensing Act" regulating the practice of optometry in Idaho.

Creates a State Board of Optometry consisting of five members (four licensed optometrists and one public member) with powers to license, discipline, and establish rules for optometric practice.

Requires optometrists to hold degrees from accredited institutions, pass board-approved examinations, and be certified to use diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, with therapeutic laser authorization requiring additional qualifications and supervised procedures.

Defines optometry scope of practice to include examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the visual system and eyes, while explicitly prohibiting 32 specified ophthalmic surgical procedures unless separately authorized.

Establishes disciplinary grounds for license denial, suspension, or revocation including fraud, incompetence, criminal convictions, failure to meet standards of care, and unprofessional conduct, with maximum fines of $2,000 and misdemeanor penalties up to $1,000 or 90 days imprisonment for unlicensed practice.