MA S1239

Bill

Ensuring consumer choice and equal access to eye care

Introduced
01/22/2019

In Committee
01/22/2019

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

191st General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to ensure consumer choice and equal access to eye care. Public Health.

AI Summary

This bill aims to expand the scope of practice for optometrists in Massachusetts. It allows optometrists who meet certain educational and certification requirements to use and prescribe a broader range of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, including those used to treat glaucoma and other ocular abnormalities. The bill also establishes new examination and continuing education requirements for optometrists seeking this expanded scope of practice. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Public Health to designate hospitals, establish protocols, and set up a data oversight process related to these new optometric practices.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (3)

Nick Collins (D), Sal DiDomenico (D), Jason Lewis (D),

Last Action

Accompanied a new draft, see S2614 (on 03/26/2020)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1239

(7 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1239
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1239.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H1412	Relative to patient care access	Accompanied a study order, see H5081	Similar To
H1925	Studying the impacts of the diagnosis restrictions on optometrists	Accompanied a new draft, see H3933	Similar To
S1160	Expanding access to patient centered care for opioid use disorder	Accompanied a study order, see S2888	Similar To
S2296	Ensuring consumer choice and equal access to eye care	Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means	Similar To
S2614	Ensuring consumer choice and equal access to eye care	Ought NOT to pass (under Joint Rule 10) and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session	Replaced by
S593	To promote the accessibility, quality and continuity of care for consumers of behavioral health, substance use disorder and mental health services	Accompanied a study order, see S2543	Similar To
S700	Providing transparency for patients receiving care at hospital-based facilities	Ought NOT to pass (under Joint Rule 10) and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session	Similar To

Bill > S1239

MA S1239

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary