Bill > S3841

This bill updates the scope of practice for optometrists in New Jersey. The key provisions are: 1. It expands the definition of optometry to include the use and prescription of pharmaceutical agents, performance of certain simple ophthalmologic and minor procedures, administration of immunizations against coronaviruses, influenza, and varicella-zoster virus, and the ordering of procedures and laboratory tests for diagnosing conditions or diseases of the eye, adnexae, and visual system. 2. It requires the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists to authorize optometrists to perform these expanded services upon submission of evidence of competence, and establishes continuing education requirements for the authorization. 3. It allows optometrists to dispense certain pharmaceutical agents and allows them to charge patients for such dispensing. 4. It updates provisions related to the confidentiality of patient records and the exclusive property rights of the optometric practice that rendered the professional services.