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2022 SESSION

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(SB375)

AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE

EDUCATION AND HEALTH

    1. After line 131, introduced

      insert

        2. That the Board of Optometry shall promulgate regulations establishing criteria for certification of an optometrist to perform certain procedures limited to peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and YAG capsulotomy for the medically appropriate and recognized treatment of the human eye through revision, destruction, or other structural alteration of the tissue of the eye using approved laser technology. The regulations shall include provisions for: (i) promotion of patient safety; (ii) identification and categorization of procedures for the purpose of issuing certificates; (iii) establishment of an application process for certification to perform such procedures; (iv) establishment of minimum education, training, and experience requirements for certification to perform such procedures; (v) development of protocols for proctoring and criteria for requiring such proctoring; and (vi) implementation of a quality assurance review process for such procedures performed by certificate holders.

        3. That the Board of Optometry (the Board) shall promulgate regulations requiring optometrists to annually register with the Board and to report certain information as deemed appropriate by the Board. The regulations shall include required reporting for: (i) any disciplinary action taken against a person licensed by the Board in another state or in a federal health institution or voluntary surrender of a license in another state while under investigation; (ii) any malpractice judgment against a person licensed by the Board; (iii) any settlement of a malpractice claim against a person licensed by the Board; and (iv) any evidence that indicates a reasonable belief that a person licensed by the Board is or may be professionally incompetent, has or may have engaged in intentional or negligent conduct that causes or is likely to cause injury to a patient or patients, has or may have engaged in unprofessional conduct, or may be mentally or physically unable to engage safely in the practice of his profession.

 

SEN. PETERSEN

    1. After line 131, introduced

      insert

        4. That an optometrist certified to perform laser surgery pursuant to § 54.1-3225 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, shall report quarterly to the Board of Optometry (the Board) the following information: (i) the number and type of laser surgeries performed by the optometrist, (ii) the conditions treated for each laser surgery performed, and (iii) any adverse treatment outcomes associated with such procedures that required a referral to an ophthalmologist for treatment. The Board shall report annually to the Governor and the Secretary of Health and Human Resources regarding the performance of laser surgery by optometrists during the previous 12-month period and shall make such report available on the Board’s website. The provisions of this enactment shall expire on July 1, 2025.