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HB 309

An Act relating to the practice of optometry; and relating to the delegation of routine services of optometry.

33rd Legislature (2023-2024) Introduced by Jesse Bjorkman and 3 co-sponsors

Alaska law allows optometrists to delegate routine eye care tasks to supervised assistants, expanding practice capacity and potentially improving patient access and affordability starting November 2024.

(H) EFFECTIVE DATE(S) OF LAW 11/26/24
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Bill Summary · HB 309

Legislative bill overview

HB 309 expands the scope of optometry practice in Alaska by allowing optometrists to delegate routine services to trained assistants or technicians under their supervision. The bill became law in August 2024 and takes effect November 26, 2024, modifying regulations around who can perform certain eye care tasks currently restricted to licensed optometrists.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses healthcare workforce efficiency and patient access to eye care services. By allowing delegation of routine tasks (such as preliminary testing, measurements, and basic screenings), the bill aims to reduce wait times, lower costs for patients, and enable optometrists to focus on complex diagnoses and treatment while expanding their practices' capacity.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope creep concerns: Some may worry that delegating clinical tasks without explicit statutory boundaries could lead to unqualified personnel performing tests beyond their training level, potentially compromising diagnostic accuracy
  • Consumer protection questions: The bill's effectiveness depends on adequate supervision standards and oversight mechanisms; if "delegation" lacks clear regulatory guardrails, patient safety could be at risk
  • Professional pushback: Other healthcare professions (ophthalmologists, nurses) may view this as optometrists encroaching on regulated medical practice or reducing employment opportunities in competitive markets

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

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