Senate committee hears testimony on S.64 to create advanced therapeutic specialty for optometrists

The Senate Health & Welfare committee on Jan. 30 began review of S.64, legislation to expand the scope of practice for optometrists by creating an "advanced therapeutic procedure specialty" that would authorize trained optometrists to perform certain laser, injection and other in‑office procedures previously limited to ophthalmologists or other providers.

Jen Harvey, legislative counsel, opened the bill summary, saying the measure amends Title 26 (professions and occupations), adds a new subdivision authorizing an advanced specialty, and lists both permitted advanced procedures and a separate list of expressly prohibited practices. Harvey told the committee that specialty holders would have to meet education, examination and supervised clinical training requirements and that adverse events related to advanced procedures would have to be reported within 30 days.

Nicole, director of the Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), told the panel OPR’s work since 2019 — including a 2020 sunrise report and a deeper 2023 review with public hearings — led the agency to support S.64 while…