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Bill

Bill

HB 4300

Relating to authorizing the Board of Optometry to promulgate a legislative rule relating to oral pharmaceutical certificates.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

Authorizes West Virginia's Board of Optometry to establish administrative rules governing optometrists' oral pharmaceutical prescribing certification and practice standards.

To House Judiciary
#legislature--rulemaking
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Bill Summary · HB 4300

Legislative bill overview

HB 4300 authorizes West Virginia's Board of Optometry to create administrative rules governing the issuance and use of oral pharmaceutical certificates for optometrists. This would formalize the regulatory framework for optometrists who have obtained certification to prescribe certain oral medications to patients. The bill is a procedural measure enabling the board to establish detailed guidelines, qualifications, and scope of practice for this certification.

Why is this important

Optometrists with oral pharmaceutical certificates can prescribe medications for conditions like dry eye, infections, and allergies, expanding access to care in underserved areas. Formalizing these rules through administrative procedure creates clear standards for practitioners, protects patients through defined competency requirements, and establishes accountability mechanisms. Without such rules, the certification process may lack transparency and consistency.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Medical associations may argue the rules could expand optometrist prescribing authority too broadly, potentially overlapping with ophthalmologists' and physicians' traditional roles
  • Patient safety and training standards: Questions about what specific educational requirements and continuing education mandates the board will impose to ensure optometrists are adequately trained in pharmacology
  • Regulatory oversight: Debate over whether the board's rules will include sufficient patient protections, adverse event reporting, and interaction-checking requirements compared to physician prescribing standards

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

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