Senate Bill No. 2323 - Summary

• Amends optometry licensure requirements to allow the board to issue licenses upon meeting standards and passing the required examination, with application fees and a 50% fee for re-examination within fourteen months of initial failure.

• Modifies license renewal procedures to require annual submission of renewal fees during December and proof of meeting continuing education conditions within the preceding three-year period.

• Establishes comprehensive disciplinary powers for the board including investigative authority, confidential complaint procedures, and disciplinary actions ranging from letters of concern to license revocation through administrative hearings.

• Requires license revocation or suspension decisions to follow administrative hearings under chapter 28-32 and establishes grounds for revocation including violations of law, controlled substance distribution, addiction, contagious disease, incompetence, fraud, and improper employment arrangements.

• Repeals sections 43-13-23 through 43-13-26 and 43-13-32 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to the state board of optometry structure.