North Dakota committee reviews bill to codify telemedicine rules for optometrists, sparking scope debate

House Bill 1267, introduced in committee as a modernization of North Dakota's optometry practice law, would define optometric telemedicine, require that initial patient relationships begin with a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist licensed and physically located in North Dakota, and update statutory language on fees and board roles.

Supporters including the State Board of Optometry and practicing optometrists told the Industry, Business and Labor Committee the changes create guardrails for telemedicine while protecting patient safety and access in rural communities. "This legislation responsibly integrates telemedicine into optometric care," one sponsor said, adding the bill does not change scope of practice "at least that's not the intent."

Proponents described the bill as an effort to replace antiquated language in the Century Code and to add definitions such as "distance site provider." Dr. Tayah Patzmann, executive director of the State Board of Optometry, said…