MD SB186

Applicants for optometrist licensure and certain reinstatement applicants must pass all sections of each part of the licensure examination, rather than just a single examination overall

Removes the requirement for the State Board of Examiners in Optometry to directly administer examinations to applicants, shifting to examinations "required" rather than "given" by the Board

Eliminates the reexamination fee that applicants previously had to pay to the Board for each failed examination attempt

Limits inactive license status to a maximum of 6 consecutive years, after which licensees would need to pursue reinstatement through other means

Effective date is July 1, 2026