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LC 370

Generally revise optometry laws

2025 Regular Session

LC 370 aimed to modernize optometry regulation—redefining scope, licensure, supervision, and patient safety—affecting optometrists, clinics, and patients; draft died May 23, 2025.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 370

Summary: LC 370 — Generally revise optometry laws

Status: Draft died in process (LC). Introduced September 27, 2024. Last actions show the draft was marked as on hold and ultimately died in process (May 23, 2025).

Overview and purpose

  • Title: Generally revise optometry laws
  • Objective: The bill was intended to generally revise the regulatory framework governing optometry, i.e., the statutes and rules that govern the practice of optometry in the state. The available summary does not include the bill text, so specific aims (such as scope of practice, licensure requirements, patient safety provisions, or regulatory authority) are not disclosed here.
  • Context: Changes of this type typically seek to modernize or reorganize optometry regulation, align with contemporary practice standards, and address issues related to licensure, supervision, and professional conduct. However, the exact substantive provisions of LC 370 are not provided in the available information.

Key provisions (high-level considerations)

Because the actual bill text is not included in the provided material, the following are common areas such bills may address. They are listed for context only and should not be interpreted as confirmed provisions of LC 370:
- Scope of practice: Definitions of what optometrists may do, including any changes to ocular medication prescription, diagnostic procedures, or therapeutic interventions.
- Licensure and credentialing: Requirements for initial licensure, renewal, continuing education, and possible changes to examination or certification processes.
- Supervision and collaboration: Rules governing supervision of associates, technicians, or paraoptometric staff; required collaborations with ophthalmology or other physicians where applicable.
- Patient safety and standards: Standards of care, informed consent, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for adverse events or disciplinary actions.
- Regulatory structure: Roles of licensing boards, disciplinary processes, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms.
- Administrative and operational changes: Filing requirements, fees, recordkeeping, and terminology updates to reflect modern practice.

Who would be affected

  • Optometrists and optometry practices: Any changes to scope of practice, licensure, or professional obligations would directly impact daily operations and credentialing.
  • Patients and consumers: Potential changes in access to services, safety protections, and the overall quality of care.
  • Related professionals and entities: Ophthalmologists, eye care clinics, paraoptometric staff, and professional associations could be affected by changes to collaboration requirements, referral patterns, or competition dynamics.
  • Regulators and licensing boards: If enacted, the regulatory framework and enforcement processes would be updated to reflect new standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: September 27, 2024 (LC Drafter Assigned; Draft On Hold on the same date).
  • 2024-09-27: Drafter Assigned; Draft On Hold.
  • 2025-05-23: (LC) Draft Died in Process.
  • Implication: The bill did not progress to enactment. If reintroduced in the future, it would follow the standard legislative process with new drafting, committee consideration, and readings.

Notes and next steps

  • Specific text and exact provisions are not included in the provided information. For precise details on what LC 370 would change, consult the bill’s text in the state Legislature’s official bill repository or legislative tracking service.
  • If interested, monitor for potential reintroduction or amendments to optometry laws, which would be reflected in new bill numbers or updated LC draft status.

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

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