Kansas committee advances House Bill 2223 to expand certain optometrist procedures after debate over training and oversight

The House Health and Human Services Committee voted to pass House Bill 2223 out of committee after a lengthy debate over whether optometrists should be allowed to perform three specific laser eye procedures currently more common in states that authorize them.

Supporters said the bill would expand access to eye care, especially in rural Kansas, and that optometrists are trained on the three named procedures. Opponents said the change would be a significant expansion of nonphysicians’ authority, raised questions about patient safety, malpractice coverage and whether the Board of Healing Arts and other regulators should have clearer delegatory authority.

Rep. Bleck, who spoke early in the debate, said he would “fully support this bill,” noting long waits for ophthalmology appointments in rural areas and describing the bill’s value in clarifying what optometrists may and may not do. “I’m gonna fully support this bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair,” he said.

Rep. Bueller argued the procedures are within…