summary
Introduced
04/25/2025
04/25/2025
In Committee
04/25/2025
04/25/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill amends provisions of the law governing optometrists. The bill provides a more detailed explanation of what constitutes the practice of optometry. The definition of "practice of optometry" in current law does not include surgical procedures. Under the bill, certain types of ophthalmic surgeries are included in the practice of optometry and certain procedures are specifically excluded. An optometrist may only perform ophthalmic surgery if the optometrist meets credentialing requirements established by the State Board of Optometry. The bill also broadens the authority of an optometrist to dispense drugs by expanding the types of drugs an optometrist may dispense to include schedule II narcotics limited to pharmaceuticals containing specified doses of hydrocodone combined with doses of another drug and by removing language that prohibits an optometrist from administering drugs by injection or intravenously. The bill directs the board to adopt rules to further define the scope of practice of optometry and establish credentialing requirements for surgical procedures. The bill clarifies that the board, and no other board or commission in the State, has the authority to define the scope of practice of optometry and to exercise the powers of the board. The bill authorizes the board to issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings. The bill also makes minor changes to the provisions relating to telehealth services and filling contact lense and spectacle prescriptions.
AI Summary
This bill comprehensively updates the legal framework for optometric practice in Maine by expanding the scope of what optometrists can do professionally. The bill defines "practice of optometry" to include evaluating, diagnosing, and treating vision system disorders, and now explicitly allows optometrists to perform certain ophthalmic surgical procedures, with specific restrictions. Optometrists can now prescribe a broader range of pharmaceutical agents, including limited schedule II narcotic medications (specifically hydrocodone combination products), and can administer drugs more flexibly. The bill establishes detailed credentialing requirements for surgical procedures, with certain complex surgeries (like retinal procedures or corneal transplants) remaining off-limits. The State Board of Optometry is granted exclusive authority to define the optometry scope of practice and can issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings. Additionally, the bill makes minor modifications to telehealth service regulations and contact lens prescription rules, such as increasing the prescription record retention period from 5 to 10 years and requiring dispensing parties to forward prescription details to the patient's optometrist. The legislation aims to modernize optometric practice while maintaining patient safety through careful regulatory oversight.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (10)
Stacy Brenner (D)*,
Joe Baldacci (D),
Brad Farrin (R),
Billy Bob Faulkingham (R),
Robert Foley (R),
David Haggan (R),
Mark Lawrence (D),
Anne-Marie Mastraccio (D),
Kristi Mathieson (D),
Trey Stewart (R),
Last Action
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (on 06/25/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1803&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0702&item=1&snum=132 |
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