The bill H. 4103 seeks to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws regarding optometry by introducing a new section, 40-37-35, which allows the State Board of Examiners in Optometry to issue restricted volunteer licenses to out-of-state optometrists who meet specific criteria, such as holding a valid license in good standing and having at least five years of clinical practice. The bill stipulates that these volunteer optometrists can only treat uninsured patients and cannot receive payment for their services. Additionally, it updates various sections of existing law to refine definitions, membership requirements for the board, and the scope of practice for optometrists, including their use of pharmaceutical agents and the procedures they may perform.

Moreover, the bill revises the requirements for licensed optometrists, including educational and competency standards, and clarifies the board's powers and duties. It mandates that optometrists refer patients to medical specialists when necessary, prohibits them from performing invasive surgeries, and requires them to maintain malpractice insurance. The bill also allows optometrists to provide services in schools with administrative approval and includes provisions for volunteer health care providers to protect them from civil liability when offering free treatment, except in cases of gross negligence. It repeals outdated provisions related to pharmacies and will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
02/26/2025: 40-37-35, 40-37-10, 40-37-20, 40-37-30, 40-37-40, 40-37-245, 40-37-290, 40-37-310, 40-37-330, 40-37-420, 38-79-30, 44-30-310, 40-37-300
06/04/2025: 40-37-35, 40-37-10, 40-37-20, 40-37-30, 40-37-40, 40-37-245, 40-37-290, 40-37-310, 40-37-330, 40-37-420, 38-79-30, 44-30-310, 40-37-300
Latest Version: 40-37-35, 40-37-10, 40-37-20, 40-37-30, 40-37-40, 40-37-245, 40-37-290, 40-37-310, 40-37-330, 40-37-420, 38-79-30, 44-30-310, 40-37-300