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Montana ODs receive glaucoma treatment authorization

Issue: July 1999

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HELENA, Mont. — In the ongoing quest to expand the scope of practice, Montana has become the 42^nd state to receive authorization for certified optometrists to treat glaucoma.

Sue Weingartner, executive director of the Montana Optometric Association, said that implementation of the law, including what will be required for an optometrist to become certified, is still in the development stage. Currently, Montana state law does not require practitioners to comanage with an ophthalmologist or have a specific treatment period. The state board of optometry also must determine if both topical and oral glaucoma agents are included in the law, she said.

The House Human Services Committee approved the measure 15-2 on Jan. 19, paving the way for an 82-17 vote by the Montana House of Representatives on Jan. 23. After a 6-3 recommendation of the measure by the Senate Public Health Committee on Feb. 12, the state Senate went on to approve the bill in an overwhelming 40-9 vote on Feb. 16. Gov. Marc Racicot (R) signed the amendment Feb. 24. The new prescribing law will take effect Oct. 1.

Ms. Weingartner said that ODs seem to have built positive relationships with MDs since optometrists first obtained TPA prescribing privileges in 1987. “I don’t think our members have experienced any negative effects,” she said. “As a matter of fact, we hope the TPA law will strengthen those relationships. ODs comanage closely with MDs and that practice will continue when it is appropriate and in the best interests of the patients.”

A TPA amplification law was passed in 1993 to allow optometrists to prescribe topical steroids. The scope of practice for ODs in Montana now includes the prescription of all topical anti-infectives, antivirals, antibiotics, antifungals and oral analgesics. There are 161 optometrists who practice in 62 communities throughout the state, Ms. Weingartner said.

Legislation that would authorize ODs to treat glaucoma is also pending in New Hampshire.

For Your Information:

• Sue Weingartner, executive director of the Montana Optometric Association, may be contacted at 36 S. Last Chance Gulch, Ste. A, Helena, MT 59601; (406) 443-1160; fax: (406) 443-4614; e-mail: sueweingartner@compuserve.com.