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LD 1803

An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Optometric Practice

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe Baldacci and 8 co-sponsors

LD 1803 - An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Optometric Practice OverviewBill Number: LD 1803 Title: An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Optometric Practice Status: CARRIED OVER,

Placed in the Legislative Files. (DEAD)
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Bill Summary · LD 1803

LD 1803 - An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Optometric Practice

Overview

Bill Number: LD 1803
Title: An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Optometric Practice
Status: CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
Introduced: April 25, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of LD 1803 is to update and expand the scope of practice for licensed optometrists in the state. The bill aims to modernize optometric regulations and allow optometrists to provide a broader range of eye care services to patients.

Key Provisions

  • Authorizes optometrists to perform certain laser procedures, including laser treatment for glaucoma and removal of growths on the eye
  • Permits optometrists to prescribe a wider range of medications, including oral medications for the treatment of eye conditions
  • Allows optometrists to order and interpret various imaging tests, such as CT scans and MRIs, for the diagnosis and management of eye diseases
  • Requires the state's Optometry Board to establish standards of practice and educational/training requirements for expanded optometric procedures
  • Directs the Optometry Board to promulgate rules governing the use of emerging optometric technologies and treatments

Affected Parties and Impacts

The key stakeholders affected by this bill include:

  • Optometrists: The bill would significantly expand the scope of services they are authorized to provide, allowing them to offer more comprehensive eye care.
  • Patients: Expanded optometric services could improve access to certain eye treatments and procedures, potentially reducing the need for referrals to ophthalmologists.
  • Ophthalmologists: Some ophthalmologists may see a decrease in patient volume for certain procedures that optometrists would now be able to perform.
  • State Optometry Board: The board would be responsible for developing new standards and regulations to govern the expanded optometric scope of practice.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

LD 1803 was introduced in the 131st Maine Legislature and has been carried over to the 132nd Legislature, which convenes in January 2026. The bill will need to be re-introduced and go through the full legislative process, including committee hearings and votes in both the Maine House and Senate. If passed, the new optometric practice laws would likely take effect sometime in 2026 or 2027, following the Optometry Board's rulemaking process.

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

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