The bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to optometrist licensure, introducing new definitions and clarifying existing regulations. Notably, it adds the term "interpretative" to the definition of "Diagnosis and treatment," and introduces the concept of a "distant site provider," which refers to optometrists providing services via telemedicine from a location other than the patient's site. The bill also expands the definition of "optometric services" to include the prescription of pharmaceutical agents, and establishes a framework for telemedicine practices, including requirements for informed consent and the establishment of a provider-patient relationship.

Additionally, the bill modifies the duties of the board of optometry, allowing it to set various fees related to licensure and practice through rule-making. It removes certain certification requirements for optometrists regarding the use of pharmaceutical agents and clarifies that a person must obtain a license to practice optometry in the state. The amendments also streamline the application process for licensure, specifying that applicants must submit their applications in a prescribed format and pay a reasonable application fee set by the board. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the practice of optometry in North Dakota, particularly in light of advancements in telemedicine.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 43-13-01, 43-13-02, 43-13-05, 43-13-07, 43-13-08, 43-13-13, 43-13-13.2, 43-13-13.3, 43-13-15, 43-13-16, 43-13-17, 43-13-19
Adopted by the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee: 43-13-01, 43-13-02, 43-13-05, 43-13-07, 43-13-08, 43-13-13, 43-13-13.2, 43-13-13.3, 43-13-15, 43-13-16, 43-13-17, 43-13-19
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 43-13-01, 43-13-02, 43-13-05, 43-13-07, 43-13-08, 43-13-13, 43-13-13.2, 43-13-13.3, 43-13-15, 43-13-16, 43-13-17, 43-13-19
Enrollment: 43-13-01, 43-13-02, 43-13-05, 43-13-07, 43-13-08, 43-13-13, 43-13-13.2, 43-13-13.3, 43-13-15, 43-13-16, 43-13-17, 43-13-19