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Arkansas ODs ‘one step away’ from laser privileges
The Arkansas Senate approved HB1251, which would amend optometrists’ scope of practice by allowing them to perform certain surgical procedures, in a 25 to 8 vote.
The bill awaits the governor’s signature.
“The most exciting aspect of the progress made is that families across the state are just one step away from having much greater access to comprehensive eye health and vision care, with doctors of optometry being authorized to practice near the fullest extent of our training,” Belinda R. Starkey, OD, Arkansas Optometric Association (ArOA) president, told Primary Care Optometry News.
Some of the procedures Arkansas families will have access to, once the bill is signed into law by Governor Asa Hutchison, would be: selective laser trabeculoplasty and Nd:YAG laser procedures, injections (excluding intravenous and intraocular) and removal of lid lesions, and chalazion incision and curettage, according to Starkey.
“We’re very excited that the incredible effort of our ArOA members has been successful in passing our bill through both legislative chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support,” Starkey said. “It is a testament to the important primary eye health care doctors of optometry deliver to our patients.”
Earlier this month, the bill passed in the House with a vote of 70 to 19. Rep. Jon Eubanks sponsored the bill.
The ArOA expects HB1251 to be signed next week. Gov. Hutchison has 5 days after it was transmitted on March 21 to sign or veto the bill. After that time, if the governor takes no action, it will become law, according to the ArOA.
“ArOA is still working very hard to ensure this bill is signed into law but wants to send a huge thank you to all of the legislative members who have supported this critical legislation throughout the process,” Starkey added. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosures: Starkey is president of the ArOA.