IL SB3538

Allows optometrists to store patient examination and prescription records in secure offsite storage facilities instead of requiring them to be retained only in the office where services were rendered.

Reorganizes disciplinary grounds under Section 24 into a new subsection (a-3) listing 35 specific grounds for disciplinary action, including violations of the Act, criminal convictions, professional incompetence, and immoral conduct.

Expands Department authority to impose "non-disciplinary" actions in addition to traditional disciplinary measures, with fines up to $10,000 per violation, and requires all fines to be deposited in the Optometric Licensing and Disciplinary Board Fund.

Adds new disciplinary grounds including failure to provide patient records or prescriptions per federal law, immoral conduct such as sexual abuse or misconduct, violation of the Health Care Worker Self-Referral Act, and being named as perpetrator in child abuse or neglect reports.

Maintains existing provisions allowing the Board to compel mental or physical examinations, suspend licenses for refusal to submit to examination, and require care or treatment as conditions for continued licensure.