The bill amends various sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to optometrist licensure, introducing new definitions and clarifying existing regulations. Notably, it defines "distant site provider" as an optometrist offering services via telemedicine, requiring them to hold an active license in the state. The bill also expands the definition of "diagnosis and treatment" to include "interpretative" anomalies of the eye and introduces "optometric services" to encompass evaluations, examinations, diagnoses, and treatments, including the prescription of pharmaceutical agents. Additionally, it establishes a framework for telemedicine practices, mandating informed consent and verification of the provider's credentials before offering services.

Several sections have been updated to reflect changes in terminology and responsibilities, such as renaming the "secretary" of the board to "executive director" and detailing the board's authority to set various fees related to licensure. The bill removes outdated certification requirements for optometrists regarding pharmaceutical agents and clarifies that a licensed optometrist must pass an examination as determined by the board. Overall, the amendments aim to modernize the practice of optometry in North Dakota, particularly in light of advancements in telemedicine and the evolving scope of optometric services.

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