The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 148.56, subdivision 1, to modify the limitations on prescribing and administering certain drugs by optometrists. It clarifies that optometrists can prescribe or administer legend drugs to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of eye-related conditions, with specific restrictions. Notably, the bill allows for intravitreal injections and permits the prescription of steroids for more than 14 days without consultation with a physician, while also removing the previous limitation on oral steroids and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to be prescribed or administered for more than seven days. Additionally, the bill specifies that optometrists are prohibited from administering legend drugs intravenously, intramuscularly, or by injection, except for treatment of anaphylaxis, and it maintains restrictions on invasive surgeries and the prescription of Schedule II and III oral legend drugs. The changes aim to enhance the scope of practice for optometrists while ensuring patient safety through established guidelines and consultation requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148.56