Bill > HB1952

This bill redefines the practice of optometry in Tennessee to include the performance of certain board-approved surgical procedures for correcting eye abnormalities, expanding the scope of services optometrists can provide. It clarifies that optometrists can diagnose, manage, prevent, and treat conditions and diseases of the eyelids and eyes, including administering and prescribing medications, performing diagnostic tests, and utilizing laser procedures for the anterior segment of the eye. The bill also permits optometrists to use local anesthetics for specific eyelid and eye adnexa procedures, provided they are certified and have cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification and an automated external defibrillator (AED) present in their office. Importantly, the bill lists specific surgical procedures that optometrists are *not* permitted to perform, such as retina laser procedures, LASIK, corneal transplants, cataract surgery, and non-laser surgery involving the cornea, sclera, iris, ciliary body, vitreous, or retina, among others. Finally, it establishes that optometrists will be held to the same standard of care as other physicians providing similar services.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1952&ga=114