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Lawmakers weigh online prescription renewals for contacts; optometrists urge verification, retailers promote safety system
Summary
House Bill 45‑58 would let patients renew contact lens prescriptions online if they had an in-person prescription within the past two years; witnesses split between expanding access and urging verification and guardrails.
Representative VanderWaal introduced House Bill 45‑58 as legislation to allow online prescription renewals for contact lenses provided the patient had received a valid in-person prescription within the prior two years. "This means that every other year, they would be able to renew their prescription and restock on contact lenses online through a telemedicine process without having to go into the eye doctor," the chair said.
Supporters told the committee the bill expands access and competition. Jack Baum of Americans for Tax Reform said the bill "modernizes outdated restrictions" and noted 42 states allow similar renewals. David Gunther of the Mackinac Center emphasized consumer convenience and rural access, arguing routine…
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