This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to require the Board of Optometry to establish a defined scope of practice for licensed optometrists. The new language mandates that the scope of practice must allow optometrists to practice at the highest level of medical eye care while ensuring that no practices exceed their education and training. Additionally, the bill updates the unlawful practices section to reflect that only actions within the newly established scope of practice are permissible for licensed optometrists.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the previous definition of optometry found in subdivision 1 of section 148.56, which detailed various practices considered as practicing optometry. The effective date for these changes is contingent upon the Board of Optometry notifying the revisor of statutes when the new scope of practice rules are in effect. The bill also clarifies that optometrists are prohibited from dispensing legend drugs at retail unless it falls within the newly defined scope of practice.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148.53, 148.56, 148.574