Bill > SF1499

This bill modifies the existing Minnesota law regarding the scope of practice for optometrists, specifically expanding their ability to prescribe and administer certain drugs. The bill removes previous restrictions on optometrists administering drugs intravenously, intramuscularly, or by injection, now allowing sub-Tenon, retrobulbar, and intravitreal injections. It eliminates the previous prohibition on prescribing oral antivirals for more than ten days and changes the restrictions on oral steroids, now permitting their administration for up to 14 days without physician consultation (previously not allowed at all). The bill also removes the previous limitation on prescribing oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for more than seven days. These changes effectively broaden the pharmacological capabilities of optometrists, allowing them to provide more comprehensive eye care and treatment options within their professional scope of practice. The modifications aim to give optometrists greater flexibility in diagnosing and treating eye-related conditions while maintaining certain safety limitations on more complex medical interventions.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF1499&ssn=0&y=2025