Bill > H658

This bill allows licensed optometrists in North Carolina to provide telehealth services to patients located in the state, offering significant flexibility in how and where they can practice. Specifically, the bill permits optometrists to treat patients remotely through telemedicine (medical care delivered using electronic communication technologies) without being physically present in the state, and they are not required to hold a license in the state where they are physically located while providing care. The North Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry is tasked with developing implementing rules to govern these telehealth services, including guidelines for establishing patient relationships, conducting examinations, maintaining patient records, prescribing medications, and maintaining a standard of care. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that using telemedicine does not change the fundamental scope of optometry practice, and optometrists remain subject to existing laws and professional board regulations. The provisions of this bill will become effective on October 1, 2025, giving the optometry board time to develop and implement the necessary regulatory framework.

Health and Social Services

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H658