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NJ A920

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/9/2024

Primary Sponsor

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

Click for details

Origin

General Assembly

2024-2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands optometrists' scope of practice to include prescribing controlled dangerous substances, administering pharmaceutical agents by any route, and performing simple ophthalmologic laser procedures such as trabeculoplasty, capsulotomy, and iridotomy using topical anesthesia

  • Authorizes optometrists to perform minor surgical procedures including treatment of chalazions and excision of skin tags and benign lesions using local anesthesia, as well as provide pre- and post-operative care for more complex eye surgeries

  • Explicitly prohibits optometrists from performing invasive intra-ocular surgery requiring full-thickness incision of the eye globe, orbital or strabismus surgery, procedures requiring layered suturing, and any surgery under general anesthesia

  • Adds authorization for optometrists to administer immunizations against coronaviruses, influenza, and varicella-zoster virus to patients 18 years and older, with required reporting to the New Jersey Immunization Information System

  • Establishes new credentialing requirements for expanded procedures through completion of accredited optometry school coursework and proctored supervision by an authorized optometrist or board-certified ophthalmologist

Legislative Description

Updates scope of practice of optometrists.

2nd Reading in the Assembly

Last Action

Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading

3/14/2024

Committee Referrals

Regulated Professions1/9/2024

Full Bill Text

No bill text available