New Hampshire optometrists now authorized to provide vaccines
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On Aug. 4 New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed into a law a bill that grants optometrists in the state authority to administer vaccines to their patients, according to the American Optometric Association website.
“The signing of S.B. 200 means recognition that doctors of optometry are qualified to administer FDA-approved vaccines by way of injection,” Erica Griffin, OD, president of the New Hampshire Optometric Association, said on the AOA website. “Giving optometrists the authority to administer vaccines, including COVID-19, influenza and shingles vaccines, is a great step for optometrists being included in the greater health care community.”
Before passage of this law, optometrists in New Hampshire were prohibited from administering medications via injection except for anaphylaxis. However, the law allowed pharmacy technicians, medical assistants, licensed practical nurses and dental hygienists to provide vaccinations.
“The ability for licensed optometrists to provide vaccines means more choice for patients, and possibly more convenience, as optometrists often have patients who have their regular eye exam but do not have or don’t see a primary care physician,” Griffin said on the website.
Some ophthalmologists in the state initially opposed the measure, arguing that optometrists should maintain the status quo. However, the bill passed the Senate with a 5-0 vote.
“We pointed out that we cannot do this due to an anomaly in our statute, meaning someone with only a high school education could administer vaccines but an independent practicing, doctorate-level health provider cannot,” Griffin said. “There was no disagreement among the legislators.”
The new law will go into effect on Sept. 3, offering another pathway for patients get access to vaccines.
Reference:
- New Hampshire Senate Bill 200. https://legiscan.com/NH/text/SB200/id/2812559 Published Aug. 4, 2023. Accessed Aug. 17, 2023.
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