KOA rep says DMV vision form overhaul could remove "safe to drive" question; scope-of-practice bill still active
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Summary
Todd Boscher of the Kansas Optometric Association told the board that the DMV is updating its vision form to remove the "are they safe to drive" checkbox and instead collect clinical data; Boscher also reported the board's scope-of-practice bill remains active in the legislature.
Todd Boscher, representing the Kansas Optometric Association, updated the board during public comment on proposed changes to the Kansas DMV vision form and the status of a scope-of-practice bill.
Boscher said the DMV's joint committee on rules and regulations was preparing a public hearing and, if approved, the DMV would revise its vision form to remove a provider checkbox asking whether a driver is "safe to drive." Instead, the form would ask clinicians to describe vision conditions, acuity, visual fields and prognoses. Boscher said that change "should remove that 'are they safe to drive' question that you're not necessarily qualified to indicate."
Boscher also said Missouri will switch from OE Tracker to CE Broker for continuing-education tracking, which may affect licensees who cross state lines. He told the board that the board's scope-of-practice bill "is still alive" and made it out of the house last year; proponents hope to advance it through the senate this legislative session.
Why this matters: Changes to DMV vision forms affect clinicians' administrative obligations and may clarify the DMV's process for driving fitness determinations. Meanwhile, a scope-of-practice bill could change the statutory boundaries of optometric practice in Kansas and will be monitored by the board and KOA.
