Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify the scope of practice for optometrists in Minnesota, defining what it means to practice optometry and specifying the range of procedures and treatments optometrists are authorized to perform.

Main Provisions

• Scope of Practice Definition: The bill specifies that anyone advertising as an optometrist or using various testing devices for vision measurement or lens adaptation is practicing optometry. This includes diagnosing diseases or deficiencies related to the eye, prescribing lenses or prisms, and providing therapeutic vision care.

• Use of Legend Drugs: Optometrists are allowed to prescribe or administer legend (prescription) drugs to treat eye-related conditions, as long as these are included in the curriculum of accredited optometry schools and within limits set by Minnesota statutes and the Board of Optometry.

• Restrictions on Treatments: Restrictions are placed on the administration routes and types of drugs:

  • No intravenous, intramuscular, or injection administration of legend drugs, except in cases of treating anaphylaxis.
  • Prohibition on performing invasive surgery, including laser surgery.
  • Limits on prescribing oral medications, such as Schedule II and III drugs, steroids, and limitations on the duration for oral antiviral and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors prescriptions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill provides clearer definitions and guidelines regarding the practices optometrists can engage in, including both what they are allowed and not allowed to do.
• It expands certain duties such as prescribing legend drugs while simultaneously reinforcing limits on surgical procedures and use of specific medications.

Relevant Terms

• Optometry
• Legend drugs
• Anaphylaxis
• Invasive surgery
• Laser surgery
• Schedule II and III drugs