Chapter 818
AN ACT
SB 656
Relating to practice of optometry; creating new provisions; and
amending ORS 683.270.
Be It Enacted by the People of
the State of
SECTION 1. Section 2 of this 2007 Act is added to and
made a part of ORS 683.010 to 683.310.
SECTION 2. (1) Optometrists utilizing pharmaceutical
agents shall be held to the same standards of liability as persons licensed as
physicians to practice medicine and surgery by the Board of Medical Examiners
for the State of
(2) Notwithstanding ORS
683.010 (3), an optometrist may remove superficial foreign bodies from the eye
and its appendages.
(3)(a) An optometrist
treating a patient with antiglaucoma medication shall consult with an
ophthalmologist if:
(A) The glaucoma
progresses despite the use of two glaucoma medications;
(B) More than two
medications are required to control the glaucoma; or
(C) A secondary glaucoma
develops.
(b) Glaucoma shall be
considered to be progressing if, in comparison to prior examinations, there is
a reproducible worsening of the patient’s visual field as measured by standard
threshold testing or if there is a worsening of the patient’s optic nerve as
measured by direct observation or standard imaging technology or by rising eye
pressure despite the use of medication. Glaucoma shall be considered to be
under control if target eye pressure, individualized for each patient, is
maintained with no abnormal glaucomatous progression.
(c) For purposes of this
subsection, a combination medication that contains two pharmacologic agents
shall be considered one medication.
SECTION 3. ORS 683.270 is amended to read:
683.270. [(1)] The powers
and duties of the Oregon Board of Optometry are as follows:
[(a)] (1) To organize and elect from its membership a
president and vice president of the board, each of whom shall hold office for
one year, or until the election and qualification of a successor.
[(b)] (2) To adopt and use a common
seal.
[(c)] (3) To employ agents and
inspectors to secure evidence of and report on all violations of this chapter
and to employ other necessary assistance in the carrying out of the provisions
of this chapter, and to pay the same from the funds provided in ORS 683.010 to
683.335.
[(d)] (4) To hold regular meetings at least once a year at
which an examination of applicants for licenses shall be held at such places as
the board shall from time to time designate, and special meetings upon request
of a majority of the members of the board or upon the call of the president.
[(e)] (5) To keep an accurate record of all proceedings of
the board and of all of its meetings, of all prosecutions for violations of ORS
683.010 to 683.335, and of all examinations held for applicants for licenses,
with the names and addresses of all persons taking examinations and their
success or failure to pass such examinations. All the records of the board
shall be public and shall be kept in the office of the board.
[(f)] (6) To keep an accurate
inventory of all property of the board and of the state in the possession of
the board and to obtain a receipt therefor from its successor.
[(g)] (7) To keep a register of optometrists which shall
contain the names and addresses of all persons to whom licenses have been
issued in the State of Oregon, together with the date of the issuance of the
license and the place or places of business in which each optometrist is
engaged, and all renewals, revocations and suspensions thereof.
[(h)] (8) To grant or refuse to
grant licenses as provided in ORS 683.010 to 683.335 and to impose any of the
sanctions for any of the causes specified in ORS 683.140.
[(i)] (9) To administer oaths and take testimony upon
granting and revoking or suspending any certificate of registration or any
other certificate established by the board for the protection of the public.
[(j)] (10) To designate
pharmaceutical agents for topical use in the practice of optometry with the
advice and guidance of the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of
[(k)] (11) To adopt rules not inconsistent with the laws of
this state as are necessary or proper to carry out the lawful powers and duties
of the board, as may be necessary or proper to establish license fees and
license terms or duration, to determine the qualifications of applicants for a
license and of licensees to practice optometry in this state, and to establish
educational and professional standards for such applicants, subject to the laws
of this state. If an applicant fails to pass a second examination the board may
adopt rules which may provide the required courses of study before further
examination.
[(2) Optometrists utilizing pharmaceutical agents shall be held to the
same standards of liability as persons licensed as physicians to practice
medicine and surgery by the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of
[(3) Prior to instituting treatment with antiglaucoma medication,
optometrists shall consult with an ophthalmologist or other doctor of medicine
or doctor of osteopathy licensed under ORS chapter 677.]
[(4) Notwithstanding ORS 683.010 (3), an optometrist may remove
superficial foreign bodies from the eye and its appendages.]
Approved by the Governor July 17, 2007
Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 19, 2007
Effective date January 1, 2008
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