A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION establishing the Optometric Practice Task Force.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Meredith

Establishes an Optometric Practice Task Force to study Kentucky optometry, review rules, and recommend potential changes to scope, licensure, and regulatory frameworks.

to Committee on Committees (S)

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Overview

SCR 172 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Kentucky 2026 Regular Session. Its purpose is to establish an Optometric Practice Task Force to study and provide recommendations regarding the practice of optometry within the state. As a concurrent resolution, it expresses the sentiment and guidance of both chambers and does not itself enact law, but can influence policy discussions and potential legislative or regulatory changes.

Purpose and intent

Establish an Optometric Practice Task Force to examine issues related to the practice of optometry in Kentucky.

Gather expert input, review current statutes and regulations, and recommend possible adjustments to scope of practice, licensure, education, and related regulatory frameworks governing optometry.

Provide findings and recommendations to the General Assembly to inform future legislation or regulatory actions.

Key provisions

Creation of a Task Force: Establishes a formal body to study optometric practice within Kentucky.

Composition: Specifies the membership of the Task Force, typically including ophthalmologists, optometrists, consumer representatives, and legislators (exact roles and numbers would be defined in the resolution).

Scope of Work: Guides the Task Force to review topics such as clinical scope of practice, entry requirements (education/licensure), patient access to eye care, patient safety, competition and telehealth, insurance/reimbursement, and regulatory oversight.

Reporting Requirement: Mandates a final report detailing findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation or regulatory changes, delivered to the General Assembly by a specified deadline.

Administrative Provisions: Addresses staffing, funding, and meeting procedures as appropriate for a concurrent resolution (often with no new funding unless specifically appropriated).

Who is affected

Optometrists, ophthalmologists, other eye care professionals, and their professional associations.

Consumers/patients seeking eye care services in Kentucky.

State regulatory bodies overseeing optometry and related health professions.

Legislators and state policymakers who will receive the Task Force’s findings and potential recommendations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: SCR 172 was introduced in the Senate on March 18, 2026.

Committee Action: Referred to the Senate Committee on Committees (S) for consideration.

Nature of instrument: As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new law but establishes a study group and process to inform future actions.

Reporting timeline: The resolution typically designates a deadline by which the Task Force must submit its final report to the General Assembly; the exact date would be specified in the text of the resolution.

Potential impact

By compiling expert input and stakeholder perspectives, the Task Force could influence future legislation or regulatory reforms related to optometry practice in Kentucky.

May affect scope of practice discussions, access to eye care, and regulatory complexity if recommendations lead to statutory or regulatory changes.

Could improve coordination among eye care professionals and patient safety considerations through comprehensive review.

Note: The summary reflects the typical structure and intent of a concurrent resolution establishing a study task force. For precise membership, duties, deadlines, and reporting requirements, consult the full text of SCR 172 as introduced.