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 optometric service provider using telemedicine from a location other than the patient's site, requiring them to hold an active license in North Dakota. The bill also establishes "optometric services" to include evaluations, examinations, diagnoses, and treatments within the scope of optometry, including the prescription of pharmaceutical agents. Additionally, it outlines the duties of the North Dakota state board of optometry, including the establishment of various fees related to licensure and practice.

Significant changes include the removal of certain certification requirements for optometrists regarding the use of pharmaceutical agents, streamlining the process for prescribing and administering these agents. The bill also emphasizes the establishment of a provider-patient relationship through telemedicine, mandating that initial relationships be formed through an in-person eye examination by a licensed optometrist. Furthermore, it clarifies that no person may practice optometry without a license and specifies the examination requirements for licensure, which must be conducted according to rules set by the board. Overall, the bill aims to modernize and regulate the practice of optometry in North Dakota, particularly in the context of 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