Bill
A 1696
Expands optometrists' scope to include certain pharmaceutical uses and minor eye procedures, under credentialing, supervision, and ongoing education.
Purpose and intent
- Modernize and update the scope of optometry practice in New Jersey to align with the education, training, and clinical experience of optometrists.
- Clarify prerequisites for expanded services (including pharmaceutical management and minor ocular procedures) and ensure credentialing processes reflect current professional standards.
- Improve clarity around record confidentiality and formalizes display and administrative requirements for licensees.
Key provisions and changes
1) Definition of optometry and scope of practice (R.S.45:12-1)
- Retains optometry as a recognized profession.
- Broadens the definition to include:
- Examination of the human eye and adnexae.
- Measuring visual powers and adapting lenses or prisms, and other diagnostic/therapeutic modalities reasonable for diagnosing and treating eye conditions.
- Administration of immunizations (against coronaviruses and influenza) when consistent with CDC recommendations and certain state law (subject to age and reporting) — note: strict age limitation for coronavirus, influenza, and varicella-zoster vaccines (not for patients under 18).
- The scope explicitly lists activities previously restricted or implied, including some pharmaceutical uses, testing, procedures, and minor therapeutic interventions.
2) Display and office registration requirements (R.S.45:12-8)
- Requires optometrists to display registration certificates and renewal certificates in their offices (not visible from outside).
- Offices must display the names of all optometrists practicing there.
- When seeing patients away from the office, optometrists must provide a bill with full name, principal office address in NJ, certificate numbers, and signature.
- Requires notification to the board of any change of address/location at least 5 days prior; board issues new renewal certificates for the new location.
3) Credentialing and training for pharmaceutical agents and minor procedures (Section 7 of P.L.1991, c.385; C.45:12-9.9)
- Requires authorization to use/prescribe pharmaceutical agents and to perform simple ophthalmologic/minor procedures to be earned via credentialing.
- Credentialing requires educational standards at least as stringent as those for ongoing students and must be evidenced by:
- Completion of an accredited optometry program, plus attestation from a supervising optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
- Licensees are immediately authorized at their current level of practice; existing credentialed licensees to continue with their current scope.
- New optometrists must enroll in an approved training program under direct supervision to fulfill credentialing requirements.
- The board will maintain a list of approved credentialing courses; upon verification of completion, the board authorizes the optometrist for the specified scope.
4) Credentialing authority for pharmaceutical use and minor procedures (Section 9.11 and related)
- Aligns with the general framework that optometrists must be credentialed before using/prescribing pharmaceutical agents or performing minor procedures.
- Establishes continuing education requirements for renewal of authorization.
5) Pharmacology credentialing framework (Section 10; P.L.2004, c.115)
- Reiterates requirement for completion of ocular pharmacology credentialing before certification to use/prescribe pharmaceutical agents.
- Addresses interim credentials and the possibility of an interim panel for credentialing (though specifics are redrafted under this bill).
6) Record confidentiality (Section 7 of P.L.1948, c.350; C.45:12-18.1)
- Affirms that patient examination records and related professional service records are the exclusive property of the optometric practice that rendered the services.
- Prohibits unauthorized use; civil remedies for privacy infringing actions.
Effective date
- The act states that it shall take effect immediately upon enactment.
Affected parties
- Licensed optometrists in New Jersey and applicants seeking optometry licenses.
- Patients receiving eye care, including those who may receive certain pharmaceutical treatments and minor procedures under the enhanced scope.
- Optometry boards and credentialing bodies (to implement credentialing and continuing education requirements).
- Healthcare system participants involved in immunizations and ophthalmic care delivery.
Timeline and procedural notes
- Introduces credentialing requirements and training programs with immediate authorization at current practice level for existing licensees.
- Requires establishment of continuing education for renewal of the expanded authorizations.
- Board to maintain lists of approved credentialing courses; intake and supervision processes for new credentialing are defined.
Overall impact
- Aligns scope of practice with the training of Doctor of Optometry (OD) graduates.
- Expands permissible services, including certain pharmaceutical uses and select minor procedures, subject to credentialing and supervision.
- Introduces structured credentialing, training, and continuing education to ensure patient safety and professional accountability.
- Keeps robust record confidentiality protections for patient information.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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