The bill permits qualified optometrists to administer flu shots and two other vaccinations to adults and to perform some minor procedures.
In another legislative move that could help ease the physician shortage in California, lawmakers have voted overwhelmingly in favor of expanding the scope of practice for optometrists.
The California State Senate on May 22 approved a bill that would allow optometrists to perform minor eye surgeries and administer vaccinations to adults. The senate voted 34-4 to approve Senate Bill 622, which was authored by Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina).
The bill, which would allow optometrists to pursue additional training and expand their scope of service into one area of primary care, will move next to the state Assembly for consideration.
"The Affordable Care Act has placed three million additional Californians into our healthcare system," says Hernandez. "This bill will allow doctors of optometry to examine, diagnose, prevent, and treat conditions to the full extent of their training."
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In order to be accredited for expanded services, optometrists will need to be certified and undergo "50 hours of post-doctoral education and training on human patients." Optometrists who undergo training will be able to administer vaccinations to people aged 18 and older for influenza, herpes zoster, and pneumonia. With proper training, optometrists will also be eligible to perform laser procedures to treat glaucoma and minor surgeries that entail removing small lesions from the surface of the eyelid.
The California Optometric Association (COA) said SB 622 will allow optometrists to tap into the full potential of their training. "Doctors of optometry are an important part of the healthcare field," says Barry Weissman, OD, president of the COA. "With the Affordable Care Act, the shortage of doctors continues to grow. Optometrists in California are highly trained healthcare professionals who already have obtained a doctorate degree from an accredited college of optometry."
If it is approved, SB 622 would be the second bill authored by Hernandez to expand the scope of service for healthcare providers. In 2013, state legislators approved Senate Bill 493, which expanded the scope of service for pharmacists. That bill, which goes into effect this year, will allow pharmacists to initiate prescriptions for contraception and provide patient consultations.
Barry Weissman, OD |
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Hernandez said the bill "will help ensure that millions of new patients receiving insurance will be able to access healthcare services through their local pharmacist." Hernandez has promoted the concept of expanding the scope of service for healthcare providers to address a shortage of primary care physicians, particularly for Medi-Cal patients.
A study from the California HealthCare Foundation found there are currently 35 to 49 primary care physicians per 100,000 MediCal patients in the state, well below federal guidelines that recommend 60 to 80 physicians per 100,000 patients.
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