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HB 2386

An Act establishing the State Board of Opticianry; and providing for registration of opticians.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Danilo Burgos and 4 co-sponsors

The bill would create a State Board of Opticianry to license and regulate opticians, establishing registration, standards, and disciplinary rules to protect the public.

Referred to Professional Licensure
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Bill Summary · HB 2386

Summary of HB 2386 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Overview

HB 2386 proposes the establishment of a State Board of Opticianry and creates a registration framework for opticians in Pennsylvania. The bill is currently in the referral stage to the Professional Licensure committee (as of 2026-04-15). It has multiple co-sponsors, indicating bipartisan and multi-member support.

Purpose and Intent

  • To create an independent State Board of Opticianry responsible for regulating opticians within Pennsylvania.
  • To establish a formal registration/licensing system for opticians, shifting certain professional oversight from other existing boards or general state oversight to a dedicated opticianry board.
  • Aimed at establishing professional standards, ensuring public protection, and clarifying the scope of practice for opticians in the Commonwealth.

Key Provisions (as typically embodied by similar opticianry bills)

Note: The summary reflects common elements in opticianry regulatory bills. The exact text of HB 2386 would specify the precise provisions, but likely includes:

  • Board Creation and Structure

    • Establishment of the State Board of Opticianry housed within the state framework for professional licensure.
    • Composition: a defined number of board members, including licensed opticians and public members, with terms, appointments, and removal provisions.
    • Administrative support and funding mechanisms for the board.

  • Registration and Licensing

    • Requirement that individuals practicing as opticians obtain registration or licensure from the Board.
    • Qualifications for registration/licensure (e.g., education, training, examination, apprenticeship, or experience requirements).
    • Renewal requirements and continuing education mandates to maintain registration.
    • Grounds for discipline, suspension, or revocation of registration (e.g., professional misconduct, fraud, malpractice).

  • Scope of Practice

    • Definition of what activities constitute the practice of opticianry (e.g., dispensing of eyeglasses, lens fitting, frame adjustments, corrective lens prescriptions interpretation for fitting purposes).
    • Clarification of activities that are outside the scope or require additional licensure (e.g., diagnosing ocular disease, medical procedures).

  • Fees and Administrative Provisions

    • Fee structure for initial registration, renewal, and any disciplinary actions.
    • Administrative processes, including applications, renewals, and record-keeping.

  • Consumer Protection and Compliance

    • Standards to protect the public, including complaint processes, investigations, and enforcement mechanisms.
    • Penalties for unregistered practice and other violations.

  • Transition Provisions

    • Any phase-in timelines for opticians to obtain registration.
    • Relation to existing opticianry licenses or certifications, if applicable.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individual opticians currently practicing in Pennsylvania who would need to obtain registration or licensure under the new board.
  • Employers and businesses that employ opticians (e.g., optical shops, hospitals, eye care practices) who would need to verify and ensure compliance of their staff.
  • Educational and training providers offering opticianry programs, which may need to align with board standards.
  • Consumers/patients seeking eye care and optical services, who would gain a state-regulated framework intended to enhance professional accountability and public safety.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current Status: Referred to the Professional Licensure committee (2026-04-15). The bill has sponsor and co-sponsor support.
  • Next Steps: Committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the House of Representatives. If passed, the bill would move to the Senate for consideration and potential enactment into law, with any required effective date or sunset provisions.
  • Effective Date: Any enacted provisions would specify an effective date for registration requirements, which could include a transition period for current practitioners.

Considerations for Stakeholders

  • For opticians: anticipated registration/licensing requirements, ongoing education, and potential costs.
  • For employers: compliance obligations and record-keeping.
  • For patients: improved assurance of practitioner qualifications and accountability.
  • For lawmakers: balancing timely regulation with industry impact and workforce considerations.

If you’d like, I can pull the full text when it becomes available to provide exact definitions, fee amounts, renewal periods, and disciplinary procedures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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