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Committee approves expanding optometrists' scope to include certain office-based laser procedures
Summary
House Bill 19 52 passed as amended to authorize doctors of optometry in Tennessee to perform three specified office-based, noninvasive laser procedures; sponsor said the change will improve access in counties lacking ophthalmologists.
Representative Williams introduced HB 19 52, saying the measure would modernize optometry practice, strengthen rural access and allow doctors of optometry to perform three safe, noninvasive office-based laser procedures that are already performed by optometrists in 14 other states. He noted that 57 Tennessee counties currently have no ophthalmologist and argued expanded scopes could keep graduates practicing in-state.
Committee members asked for data about access improvements in other states and about whether any procedures involved needles; the sponsor acknowledged the amended language included paracentesis. After discussion the committee passed the bill and it moved to calendar and rules as amended.
