Relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.
Summary
HB 349 would expand the scope of practice for licensed optometrists in New Hampshire by allowing those who are certified by the Board of Registration in Optometry to perform certain ophthalmic laser procedures. The bill specifically authorizes laser capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser peripheral iridotomy, but only after an optometrist satisfies board-established requirements and receives certification.
The bill also directs the board to adopt rules setting minimum education, training, live clinical experience, proctoring standards, and outcome reporting requirements for optometrists seeking this certification. An optometrist could not perform these procedures unless they have completed the required qualifications and been formally certified by the board. The act would take effect 60 days after passage.
Impact
HB 349 would amend RSA 327 by creating a new section that expressly permits certified optometrists to perform specified ophthalmic laser procedures, thereby expanding the regulated scope of optometric practice in state law. It would also require the Board of Registration in Optometry to establish certification criteria and oversight rules, shifting some regulatory responsibility to the board and potentially increasing administrative activity within the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. The fiscal note indicates possible future fee revenue as well as indeterminable implementation costs tied to licensing, rulemaking, and possibly third-party testing or examination contracts.
Sentiment
The available materials suggest generally favorable or at least supportive sentiment toward the bill, reflected in the bipartisan sponsorship from both House and Senate members. No committee transcript or recorded vote information was provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, opposition, or amendments in the supplied record. The bill appears to be framed as a professional practice expansion with safety safeguards rather than a major policy controversy.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is whether optometrists should be allowed to perform laser eye procedures at all, and if so, under what training and certification standards. Supporters are likely to emphasize access to care, efficiency, and the ability of qualified optometrists to handle routine ophthalmic laser procedures, while any opponents would likely focus on patient safety, adequacy of training, and whether such procedures should remain within the domain of ophthalmologists. The bill addresses these concerns by requiring board certification, minimum education and live experience, proctoring, and outcome reporting.