The bill amends various sections of the Kansas optometry law, focusing on the scope of practice, definitions, and credentialing requirements for optometrists. A significant change includes the modification of professional liability insurance requirements, raising the minimum coverage limits for new policies from $200,000 per claim to $500,000 per claim, and increasing the annual aggregate from $600,000 to $1,500,000, effective January 1, 2022. Optometrists credentialed to perform specific procedures will be subject to these insurance requirements unless the initial surcharge to participate in the healthcare stabilization fund exceeds 15%. The bill also establishes a healthcare stabilization fund to cover damages for personal injury or death resulting from professional services, with a board of governors overseeing its administration.

Additionally, the bill introduces new licensure requirements for optometrists, including proof of professional liability insurance and completion of continuing education. It clarifies the scope of practice, allowing optometrists to perform certain procedures and requiring a credentialing process for those wishing to perform injections or laser procedures. The bill also streamlines the legal framework by repealing several existing statutes and granting the board additional powers, such as seeking injunctive relief against violators and maintaining a public directory of licensed optometrists. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the standards of care in optometry and ensure that practitioners are adequately trained and monitored.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 65-1501, 65-1124, 65-2901, 65-5402, 65-1501a, 65-1505, 65-1509a, 65-1512, 65-1523, 74-1504, 65-1514, 74-1505
As Amended by Senate Committee: 40-3402, 40-3403, 65-1501, 65-5402, 65-1501a, 65-1505, 65-1509a, 65-1512, 65-1523, 74-1504, 74-1505
{As Amended by Senate Committee of the Whole}: 40-3402, 40-3403, 65-1501, 65-5402, 65-1501a, 65-1505, 65-1509a, 65-1512, 65-1523, 74-1504, 74-1505
Enrolled: 65-1501a, 65-1514, 40-3402, 40-3403, 65-1501, 65-1124, 65-2901, 65-5402, 65-1505, 65-1509a, 65-1512, 65-1523, 74-1504, 74-1505