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HF3195 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Limitations on optometrists prescribing and administering drugs modified.

Related bill: SF1499

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update and modify the regulations governing optometrists in Minnesota, specifically related to their authority to prescribe and administer medications in the course of treating patients.

Main Provisions

  • Expanded Scope for Optometrists: The bill allows optometrists to prescribe or administer legend drugs as part of their treatment options, in line with their education at accredited institutions and state regulations.
  • Prescription Limitations:
    • Optometrists are not allowed to administer drugs intravenously, intramuscularly, or via injections, except in specific cases such as anaphylaxis.
    • The bill specifies constraints on the prescription of oral medications, such as Schedule II and III drugs, steroids, and antivirals.
    • Maximum prescription durations are set for certain medications without additional physician consultation:
    • Oral antivirals cannot be prescribed for more than ten days.
    • Steroids cannot be prescribed for more than fourteen days.
    • Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are limited to a seven-day prescription.

Significant Changes

  • This legislation updates the existing constraints on optometrists, broadening their capability to use medications in eye care treatments but maintains clear limitations to prevent overreach into areas that require medical or surgical interventions beyond the scope of optometry.

Relevant Terms

  • Optometry
  • Legend drugs
  • Intravenous, intramuscular, subTenon, retrobulbar, intravitreal injections
  • Invasive surgery
  • Schedule II and III oral legend drugs
  • Oral steroids, antivirals
  • Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
  • Anaphylaxis

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 20, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHealth Finance and Policy
April 20, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHealth Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification of conditions for which optometrists can prescribe or administer legend drugs."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Restrictions on prescribing certain medications without physician consultation for specific durations are emphasized."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the definition of practicing optometry and the limitations on optometrists prescribing and administering drugs under section 148.56.",
      "modified": [
        "Expanded the scope of conditions and treatments included in optometry practices."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "148.56",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

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