Bill > HB349

This bill authorizes optometrists, who are licensed eye care professionals, to perform specific ophthalmic laser procedures, such as laser capsulotomy (a procedure to clear cloudy lenses after cataract surgery), laser trabeculoplasty (used to treat glaucoma by improving fluid drainage), and laser peripheral iridotomy (also used to treat glaucoma by creating a small opening in the iris). To perform these procedures, optometrists must be certified by the board of registration in optometry, which will establish criteria including education, training, and supervised practical experience, with a minimum number of proctored procedures required for each type of laser treatment. The bill also allows for certification by endorsement from other states if similar requirements have been met, and mandates that patients provide informed consent before any laser procedure.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=699&inflect=2