SB82
To Modify The Definition Of "ophthalmic Dispensing" To Include The Dispensing Of Contact Lenses.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Sine Die adjournment
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AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 82 amends the Arkansas Code to modify the legal definition of 'ophthalmic dispensing.' The primary change is the inclusion of the dispensing, selling, or supplying of contact lenses within the scope of practice for a licensed dispensing optician. The bill also amends the existing prohibitions regarding the practice of optometry or medicine by dispensing opticians. Specifically, it clarifies that while a dispensing optician may now be involved in the dispensing or supplying of contact lenses, the actual prescribing, adapting, fitting, duplicating, or modifying of contact lenses remains restricted to licensed optometrists or physicians specializing in eye diseases. The legislation aims to update state definitions to reflect current practices within the optical industry.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
Licensed dispensing opticians in Arkansas stand to benefit from this bill, as it formally expands their scope of practice to include the dispensing, selling, and supplying of contact lenses. This provides them with an additional service offering for their clients and potentially increases their professional revenue opportunities.
Who Might Suffer?
Optometrists and ophthalmologists may be impacted, as this change shifts the traditional boundary of who is authorized to dispense contact lenses in the state, potentially affecting their practice models regarding the distribution of contact lenses. Consumers may also be impacted if they rely on the previous, stricter scope of practice laws that limited contact lens handling primarily to prescribing eye care professionals.
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