The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 148.56, subdivision 1, to modify the limitations on optometrists regarding the prescribing and administering of drugs. It clarifies that optometrists may prescribe or administer legend drugs for the diagnosis and treatment of eye-related conditions, with specific limitations. Notably, the bill allows for the administration of drugs by sub-Tenon, retrobulbar, or intravitreal injection, which was not previously permitted. Additionally, it introduces a new provision that allows steroids to be prescribed for up to 14 days without requiring consultation with a physician, while also removing the previous restriction on the duration of oral antiviral prescriptions.

Furthermore, the bill eliminates the previous prohibitions on administering legend drugs intravenously, intramuscularly, or by injection, except for anaphylaxis treatment, and it removes the limitations on prescribing Schedule II and III oral legend drugs and oral steroids. The amendments aim to enhance the scope of practice for optometrists while ensuring patient safety through defined limitations on drug administration and prescribing practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 148.56