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NY A00363

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/5/2011

Primary Sponsor

William Boyland

Click for details

Origin

Assembly

2009-2010 General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Establishes "Phase Three Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents" allowing optometrists to prescribe specified oral medications including antibiotics, decongestants, antiglaucomas, antivirals, analgesics (excluding Schedule I and II controlled substances), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Requires optometrists to complete a 25-hour certification course in Phase Three therapeutic pharmaceutical agents from an accredited college of optometry before prescribing oral medications, with exceptions for optometrists who graduated after January 1, 2004 and passed the National Board of Examiners in Optometry examination.

  • Mandates the Department suspend Phase One and Phase Two therapeutic agent certifications for optometrists who fail to obtain Phase Three certification within three years of course approval.

  • Increases continuing education requirements to include at least six hours specifically on systemic drug use and interactions per triennial registration period.

  • Requires all optometrists applying for or renewing a license beginning January 1, 2012 to affirm current CPR certification from an approved provider, with allowance for office staff to administer CPR if the optometrist cannot physically perform it.

Legislative Description

Authorizes optometrists certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents for the treatment or prevention of ocular disease, to also use specified oral pharmaceutical agents in their practices; requires completion of a 25 hour phase three therapeutic pharmaceutical agent certification course of didactic education; permits the commissioner of health to recommend other categories of drugs that may also be prescribed.

Last Action

referred to higher education

1/5/2011

Committee Referrals

Higher Education1/5/2011

Full Bill Text

No bill text available