Bill > HF2765

This bill modifies Minnesota's legal definition of optometry and the scope of practice for optometrists by updating section 148.56, subdivision 1. The bill expands what optometrists can do by explicitly defining their professional activities, including advertising as an optometrist, measuring vision using various testing devices, diagnosing eye-related conditions, prescribing lenses and prisms, performing ocular exercises, and prescribing certain legend drugs (prescription medications) for eye-related diagnoses and treatments. The bill also maintains important limitations on optometric practice, such as prohibiting intravenous drug administration, invasive surgeries, prescribing certain high-risk oral medications, and restricting the duration of some oral medication prescriptions. Notably, the bill adds a new provision defining "surgery" by referencing the most recent definitions established by the American Medical Association and American College of Surgeons, which could help clarify the boundaries of what optometrists can and cannot do in terms of surgical procedures. This change appears designed to provide more precise guidance about the professional boundaries of optometric practice while potentially expanding optometrists' diagnostic and treatment capabilities.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2765&ssn=0&y=2025