AB 1359: Optometry: therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification: requirements.
- Session Year: 2015-2016
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2015-10-02
(1)The Optometry Practice Act provides for the licensure and regulation of optometrists by the State Board of Optometry. The act defines the practice of optometry to include the prevention and diagnosis of disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, and the treatment and management of certain disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, as well as the provision of rehabilitative optometric services, and authorizes optometrists to engage in specified acts if certain requirements are met, including, the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. The act authorizes the board to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of ocular disease, as specified.
This bill would change all references to a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to instead refer to a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification. The bill would delete certain requirements for an applicant for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours, as specified. The bill would require such an applicant to complete a preceptorship of at least 65 hours, as specified, with either a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board-certified in ophthalmology in good standing, and would require such an applicant to complete a minimum of 100 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases, as specified. The bill would require a preceptor to certify completion of the preceptorship on a form approved by the board.
(2)The act exempts an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, from meeting specified requirements for the issuance of a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, including the didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours.
This bill would delete those exemptions for an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, and instead require such an applicant to meet the requirements for the issuance of a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification that apply to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, as specified.
(3)The act also authorizes the board to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing 10 hours of experience with a board certified ophthalmologist.
This bill would delete certain requirements for an applicant for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, and would instead require such an applicant to pass all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys national board examination or its equivalent, as determined by the board, in order to be granted a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification.
(1)The Optometry Practice Act provides for the licensure and regulation of optometrists by the State Board of Optometry. The act defines the practice of optometry to include the prevention and diagnosis of disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, and the treatment and management of certain disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, as well as the provision of rehabilitative optometric services, and authorizes optometrists to engage in specified acts if certain requirements are met, including, the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. The act authorizes the board to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of ocular disease, as specified.
This bill would change all references to a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to instead refer to a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification. The bill would delete certain requirements for an applicant for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours, as specified. The bill would require such an applicant to complete a preceptorship of at least 65 hours, as specified, with either a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board-certified in ophthalmology in good standing, and would require such an applicant to complete a minimum of 100 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases, as specified. The bill would require a preceptor to certify completion of the preceptorship on a form approved by the board.
(2)The act exempts an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, from meeting specified requirements for the issuance of a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, including the didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours.
This bill would delete those exemptions for an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, and instead require such an applicant to meet the requirements for the issuance of a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification that apply to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, as specified.
(3)The act also authorizes the board to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing 10 hours of experience with a board certified ophthalmologist.
This bill would delete certain requirements for an applicant for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, and would instead require such an applicant to pass all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys national board examination or its equivalent, as determined by the board, in order to be granted a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification.
(1)The Optometry Practice Act provides for the licensure and regulation of optometrists by the State Board of Optometry. The act defines the practice of optometry to include the prevention and diagnosis of disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, and the treatment and management of certain disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, as well as the provision of rehabilitative optometric services, and authorizes optometrists to engage in specified acts if certain requirements are met, including, the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. The act authorizes the board to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of ocular disease, as specified.
This bill would change all references to a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to instead refer to a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification. The bill would delete certain requirements for an applicant for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours, as specified. The bill would require such an applicant to complete a preceptorship of at least 65 hours, as specified, with either a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board-certified in opthalmology ophthalmology in good standing, and would require such an applicant to complete a minimum of 80 100 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases, as specified. The bill would require a preceptor to certify completion of the preceptorship on a form approved by the board.
(2)The act exempts an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, from meeting specified requirements for the issuance of a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, including the didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours.
This bill would delete those exemptions for an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, and instead require such an applicant to meet the requirements for the issuance of a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification that apply to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, as specified.
(3)The act also authorizes the board to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing 10 hours of experience with a board certified opthalmologist. ophthalmologist.
This bill would delete certain requirements for an applicant for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, and would instead require such an applicant to pass all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys national board examination or its equivalent, as determined by the board, in order to be granted a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification.
(1)The Optometry Practice Act provides for the licensure and regulation of optometrists by the State Board of Optometry. The act defines the practice of optometry to include the prevention and diagnosis of disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, and the treatment and management of certain disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, as well as the provision of rehabilitative optometric services, and authorizes optometrists to engage in specified acts if certain requirements are met, including, the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. The act authorizes the board to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of ocular disease, as specified.
This bill would change all references to a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to refer to a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification. The bill would delete certain requirements for an applicant for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours, as specified. The bill would require such an applicant to complete a preceptorship of at least 65 hours, as specified, with either a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board-certified in opthalmology in good standing, and would require such an applicant to complete a minimum of 80 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases, as specified. The bill would require a preceptor to certify completion of the preceptorship on a form approved by the board.
(2)The act exempts an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, from meeting specified requirements for the issuance of a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, including the didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours.
This bill would delete those exemptions for an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, and instead require such an applicant to meet the requirements for the issuance of a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification that apply to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, as specified.
(3)The act also authorizes the board to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing 10 hours of experience with a board certified opthalmologist.
This bill would delete certain requirements for an applicant for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, and would instead require such an applicant to pass all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys national board examination or its equivalent, as determined by the board, in order to be granted a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification.
(a)In order to be certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and authorized to diagnose and treat the conditions listed in subdivisions (b) and (e) of Section 3041, an optometrist shall apply for a certificate from the board and meet all requirements imposed by the board.
(b)The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, is licensed as an optometrist in California, and meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Completes a preceptorship of no less than 65 hours, during a period of not less than two months nor more than one year, with either a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board-certified in ophthalmology in good standing. The training received during the preceptorship shall be on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular and systemic disease. The preceptor shall certify completion of the preceptorship using a form approved by the board. The individual serving as the preceptor shall schedule no more than three optometrist applicants for each of the required 65 hours of the preceptorship program. This paragraph shall not be construed to limit the total number of optometrist applicants for whom an individual may serve as a preceptor, and is intended only to ensure the quality of the preceptorship by requiring that the preceptor schedule the training so that each applicant optometrist completes each of the 65 hours of the preceptorship while scheduled with no more than two other optometrist applicants.
(2)Successfully completes a minimum of 100 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases within two years prior to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1).
(3)Passes the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease examination or, in the event this examination is no longer offered, its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(c)The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, who is licensed as an optometrist in California, and who passes all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys national board examination or its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(d)The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification to any applicant who is an optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California if he or she meets all of the requirements for an optometrist licensed in California to be granted a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification.
(1)In order to obtain a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and graduated from an accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (b). In order for the applicant to be eligible for therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, the education he or she received at the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry in California for persons who graduate before January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (b) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(2)In order to obtain a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (c). In order for the applicant to be eligible for therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, the education he or she received by the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry for persons who graduate on or after January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (c) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(3)The State Board of Optometry shall decide all issues relating to the equivalency of an optometrists education or training under this subdivision.
(a)In order to be certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and authorized to diagnose and treat the conditions listed in subdivisions (b) and (e) of Section 3041, an optometrist shall apply for a certificate from the board and meet all requirements imposed by the board.
(b)The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, is licensed as an optometrist in California, and meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Completes a preceptorship of no less than 65 hours, during a period of not less than two months nor more than one year, with either a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board-certified in ophthalmology in good standing. The training received during the preceptorship shall be on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular and systemic disease. The preceptor shall certify completion of the preceptorship using a form approved by the board. The individual serving as the preceptor shall schedule no more than three optometrist applicants for each of the required 65 hours of the preceptorship program. This paragraph shall not be construed to limit the total number of optometrist applicants for whom an individual may serve as a preceptor, and is intended only to ensure the quality of the preceptorship by requiring that the preceptor schedule the training so that each applicant optometrist completes each of the 65 hours of the preceptorship while scheduled with no more than two other optometrist applicants.
(2)Successfully completes a minimum of 100 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases within two years prior to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1).
(3)Passes the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease examination or, in the event this examination is no longer offered, its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(c)The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, who is licensed as an optometrist in California, and who passes all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys national board examination or its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(d)The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification to any applicant who is an optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California if he or she meets all of the requirements for an optometrist licensed in California to be granted a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification.
(1)In order to obtain a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and graduated from an accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (b). In order for the applicant to be eligible for therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, the education he or she received at the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry in California for persons who graduate before January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (b) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(2)In order to obtain a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (c). In order for the applicant to be eligible for therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, the education he or she received by the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry for persons who graduate on or after January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (c) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(3)The State Board of Optometry shall decide all issues relating to the equivalency of an optometrists education or training under this subdivision.
(a)In order to be certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and authorized to diagnose and treat the conditions listed in subdivisions (b), (d), (b) and (e) of Section 3041, an optometrist shall apply for a certificate from the board and meet all requirements imposed by the board.
(b)The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, is licensed as an optometrist in California, and meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Completes a preceptorship of no less than 65 hours, during a period of not less than two months nor more than one year, with either a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board-certified in opthalmology ophthalmology in good standing. The training received during the preceptorship shall be on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular and systemic disease. The preceptor shall certify completion of the preceptorship using a form approved by the board. The individual serving as the preceptor shall schedule no more than three optometrist applicants for each of the required 65 hours of the preceptorship program. This paragraph shall not be construed to limit the total number of optometrist applicants for whom an individual may serve as a preceptor, and is intended only to ensure the quality of the preceptorship by requiring that the preceptor schedule the training so that each applicant optometrist completes each of the 65 hours of the preceptorship while scheduled with no more than two other optometrist applicants.
(2)Successfully completes a minimum of 80 100 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases within two years prior to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1).
(3)Passes the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease examination or, in the event this examination is no longer offered, its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(c)The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, who is licensed as an optometrist in California, and who passes all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys national board examination or its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(d)The board shall grant a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification to any applicant who is an optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California if he or she meets all of the requirements for an optometrist licensed in California to be certified to use granted a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. agents certification.
(1)In order to obtain a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and graduated from an accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (b). In order for the applicant to be eligible for the certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, agents certification, the education he or she received at the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry in California for persons who graduate before January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (b) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(2)In order to obtain a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (c). In order for the applicant to be eligible for the certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, agents certification, the education he or she received by the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry for persons who graduate on or after January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (c) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(3)The State Board of Optometry shall decide all issues relating to the equivalency of an optometrists education or training under this subdivision.
(a)In order to be certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and authorized to diagnose and treat the conditions listed in subdivisions (b), (d), and (e) of Section 3041, an optometrist shall apply for a certificate from the board and meet all requirements imposed by the board.
(b)The board shall grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) certification to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, is licensed as an optometrist in California, and meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Satisfactorily completes a didactic course of no less than 80 classroom hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of ocular disease provided by either an accredited school of optometry in California or a recognized residency review committee in ophthalmology in California.
(2)
(1)Completes a preceptorship of no less than 65 hours, during a period of not less than two months nor more than one year, in with either an ophthalmologists office or an optometric clinic. a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board-certified in opthalmology in good standing. The training received during the preceptorship shall be on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, ocular and systemic disease. The preceptor shall certify completion of the preceptorship using a form approved by the board. Authorization for the ophthalmologist to serve as a preceptor shall be provided by an accredited school of optometry in California, or by a recognized residency review committee in ophthalmology, and the preceptor shall be licensed as an ophthalmologist in California, board-certified in ophthalmology, and in good standing with the Medical Board of California. The individual serving as the preceptor shall schedule no more than three optometrist applicants for each of the required 65 hours of the preceptorship program. This paragraph shall not be construed to limit the total number of optometrist applicants for whom an individual may serve as a preceptor, and is intended only to ensure the quality of the preceptorship by requiring that the ophthalmologist preceptor schedule the training so that each applicant optometrist completes each of the 65 hours of the preceptorship while scheduled with no more than two other optometrist applicants.
(3)
(2)Successfully completes a minimum of 20 80 hours of self-directed directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases within two years prior to meeting the requirements of paragraph (1).
(4)
(3)Passes the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease examination or, in the event this examination is no longer offered, its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(5)Passes the examination issued upon completion of the 80-hour didactic course required under paragraph (1) and provided by the accredited school of optometry or residency program in ophthalmology.
(6)When any or all of the requirements contained in paragraph (1), (4), or (5) have been satisfied on or after July 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, an optometrist shall not be required to fulfill the satisfied requirements in order to obtain certification to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. In order for this paragraph to apply to the requirement contained in paragraph (5), the didactic examination that the applicant successfully completed shall meet equivalency standards, as determined by the board.
(7)Any optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, shall not be required to fulfill the requirements contained in paragraphs (1), (4), and (5).
(c)The board shall grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, who is licensed as an optometrist in California, and who meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Passes passes all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometrys national board examination, examination or its equivalent, as determined by the State Board of Optometry.
(2)Of the total clinical training required by a school of optometrys curriculum, successfully completed at least 65 of those hours on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease.
(3)Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as competent in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease to the extent authorized by this section.
(4)Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as having completed at least 10 hours of experience with a board-certified ophthalmologist.
(d)The board shall grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification to any applicant who is an optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California if he or she meets all of the requirements for an optometrist licensed in California to be certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
(1)In order to obtain a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and graduated from an accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (b). In order for the applicant to be eligible for the certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, the education he or she received at the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry in California for persons who graduate before January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (b) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(2)In order to obtain a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification, any optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California and who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, shall be required to fulfill the requirements set forth in subdivision (c). In order for the applicant to be eligible for the certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, the education he or she received by the accredited out-of-state school of optometry shall be equivalent to the education provided by any accredited school of optometry for persons who graduate on or after January 1, 1996. For those out-of-state applicants who request that any of the requirements contained in subdivision (c) be waived based on fulfillment of the requirement in another state, if the board determines that the completed requirement was equivalent to that required in California, the requirement shall be waived.
(3)The State Board of Optometry shall decide all issues relating to the equivalency of an optometrists education or training under this subdivision.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Jun 15, 2015 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (June 15). |
| Oct 2, 2015 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 443, Statutes of 2015. |
| Oct 2, 2015 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 1, 2015 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m. |
| Aug 24, 2015 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 80. Noes 0. Page 2562.). |
| Aug 24, 2015 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Aug 20, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 38. Noes 0. Page 2109.). |
| Aug 20, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Aug 20, 2015 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. May be considered on or after August 22 pursuant to Assembly Rule 77. |
| Jun 30, 2015 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Jun 29, 2015 | From committee: Be placed on second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8. |
| Jun 16, 2015 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Feb 27, 2015 | Introduced. To print. |
| May 28, 2015 | Referred to Com. on B., P. & E.D. |
| May 14, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 78. Noes 0. Page 1450.) |
| May 14, 2015 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| May 14, 2015 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 7, 2015 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| May 6, 2015 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (May 6). |
| Apr 29, 2015 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (April 28). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Mar 23, 2015 | Referred to Com. on B. & P. |
| Mar 2, 2015 | Read first time. |
| Mar 1, 2015 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 31. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 24, 2015 | AB 1359 NAZARIAN Concurrence in Senate Amendments | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
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| Aug 20, 2015 | Assembly 3rd Reading AB1359 Nazarian By Berryhill | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Jun 15, 2015 | Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Senate Standing Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development |
Passed |
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| May 14, 2015 | AB 1359 NAZARIAN Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
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| May 6, 2015 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
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| Apr 28, 2015 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Business and Professions |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| California Optometric Association | ** Support | Aug 20, 2015 |
| California State Board of Optometry | ** Support | Aug 20, 2015 |
AB 1359
Page 2
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 1359
(Nazarian)
As Amended June 16, 2015
Majority vote
ASSEMBLY: |
78-0 |
(May 14, 2015) |
SENATE: |
38-0 |
(August 20, 2015) |
Original Committee Reference: B. & P.
SUMMARY: Revises criteria for obtaining certification to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs) for licensed optometrists who graduated from an accredited optometry school before or after 1996. Specifically, this bill:
Deletes certain requirements for an applicant for TPA certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours, as specified.
Requires preceptorships to be with either a TPA certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board certified in ophthalmology in good standing.
Requires such an applicant to complete a minimum of 100 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases.
Requires a preceptor to certify completion of the preceptorship on a form approved by the board.
Exempts and optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, from meeting specified requirements for the issuance of a certificate to use TPAs, including the didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours.
Deletes exemptions for an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, and instead requires them to meet requirements for the issuance of a TPA certification.
Authorizes the Board of Optometry (Board) to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing 10 hours of experience with a Board certified ophthalmologist.
Deletes certain training and certification requirements for an applicant of a TPA certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, and would instead require such an applicant to pass all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’s national board examination or its equivalent in order to be granted a TPA certification.
Makes other technical changes.
The Senate amendments change the requirement for an applicant to complete hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases from a minimum of 80 hours to 100 hours.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.
COMMENTS:
Purpose. This bill is sponsored by the Board of Optometry (Board). According to the author, "The Board of Optometry has discovered that the didactic course that is required to be completed prior to receiving the certification is no longer offered by schools of optometry. AB 1359 establishes a new process where a preceptor offering the didactic course can either be a TPA certified optometrist or ophthalmologist. Post 1996, all optometrists have graduated with TPA certification. Those optometrists who graduate before 1996 have been left with few pathways to attaining TPA certification because in 2009, TPA stand-alone courses have been discontinued."
Background. The TPA designation indicates that the optometrist is certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and the optometrist may treat certain conditions of the human eye, or any of its appendages, with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. The optometrist may also perform certain procedures on the eye.
According to the Board, there are approximately 500 TPA certified optometrists in California. In 1996, Business and Professions Code (BPC) Section 3041.3 was added to define the criteria for TPA certification for California licensed optometrists and for out-of-state licensed optometrists who desired to practice in California. Optometrists who graduated from an accredited educational program prior to 1996 were eligible to receive a TPA certificate from the Board if they could show evidence of completing several requirements including a preceptorship and a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education.
Licensing Examination and Education Programs. The addition of BPC Section 3041.3 prompted changes to the national examination for optometrists, and the curriculum requirements of many optometry programs. According to the Board, education programs now routinely include curriculum on TPA and the licensing examination also includes information on TPA. As such, optometry students graduate with TPA certification and there is no need for continuing education courses to be offered. This makes it difficult for those who completed their education prior to 1996, but did not complete a TPA continuing education course prior to 2009, to gain TPA certification.
Preceptor Requirements. This bill would require those optometrists who did not receive continuing education prior to 2009 or who did not graduate from an educational program that offered TPA focused training, to work with a preceptor in order to meet the TPA requirement. The preceptor can be a TPA certified optometrist, who has been in practice for at least two years, or a physician and surgeon board certified in ophthalmology. These professionals must be in good standing with their licensing boards.
Analysis Prepared by: Le Ondra Clark Harvey / B. & P. / (916) 319-3301 FN: 0001137
AB 1359
Page 5
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 1359
Amended: 6/16/15 in Senate
SENATE BUS, PROF. & ECON. DEV. COMMITTEE: 9-0, 6/15/15
AYES: Hill, Bates, Berryhill, Block, Galgiani, Hernandez, Jackson, Mendoza, Wieckowski
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/14/15 (Consent) - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Optometry: therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification: requirements
SOURCE: California State Board of Optometry
DIGEST: This bill establishes a substitute method of qualifying for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent (TPA) certification.
Existing law:
Provides, pursuant to the Optometry Practice Act (Act), for the licensure and regulation of optometrists by the Board of Optometry (Board) within the Department of Consumer Affairs. (Business and Professions Code (BPC) § 3000 et seq.)
Defines the practice of optometry to include the prevention and diagnosis of disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, the treatment and management of certain disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, and the provision of rehabilitative optometric services, as specified. (BPC § 3041)
Authorizes an optometrist certified to use TPAs to also diagnose and treat the human eye or eyes, or any of its or their appendages, for specified conditions and perform certain additional procedures. (BPC § 3041 (b)(e))
Establishes additional requirements to obtain a TPA certificate for an applicant who graduated from optometry school prior to January 1, 1996.
(BPC § 3041.3 (b))
Requires the Board to grant a TPA certificate to an applicant who graduated from a California-accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, who is licensed as an optometrist in California, and who:
Passes the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’s national board examination, or its equivalent, as determined by the Board.
Of the total clinical training required by a school of optometry’s curriculum, successfully completed at least 65 of those hours on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease.
Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as competent in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease to the extent authorized by this section.
Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as having completed at least 10 hours of experience with a board-certified ophthalmologist.
(BPC § 3041.3 (c))
This
bill:
Replaces the minimum requirement of 100 classroom hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of ocular disease by either an accredited school of optometry in California or a recognized residency review committee in ophthalmology with a minimum requirement of 80 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases.
Requires an applicant to complete the 80 hours of education prior to beginning a preceptorship.
Allows a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing to serve as a preceptor.
Strikes the requirement that a preceptor be authorized by an accredited school of optometry in California or by a recognized residency review committee.
Strikes the requirement that the preceptorship be in either an ophthalmologist’s office or an optometric clinic.
Requires the preceptor to certify completion of the preceptorship using a Board-approved form.
Strikes the test requirement at completion of the 80 education hours.
Strikes the requirement of a minimum of 20 self-directed study hours.
Clarifies that applicants seeking TPA certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry after January 1, 1996, pass all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’s national board examination.
Strikes the following requirements for an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry after January 1, 1996:
Successfully completed at least 65 hours of the total clinical training required by a school of optometry’s curriculum on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular and systemic disease.
Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as competent in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease to the extent authorized by the Act.
Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as having completed at least 10 hours of experience with a board-certified ophthalmologist.
Makes technical and clarifying amendments.
Background
The Board’s mission is to protect the health and safety of California consumers through licensing, education, and regulation of the practice of optometry. There are currently over 8,800 licensed optometrists.
An optometrist may elect to pursue additional certifications after initial licensure by the Board. The following certifications are currently offered:
Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents;
TPA;
TPA with Lacrimal Irrigation and Dilation;
TPA with Glaucoma Certification; and
TPA with Lacrimal Irrigation and Dilation and Glaucoma Certification.
The TPA certification indicates that the optometrist is certified to use certain pharmaceuticals to treat specified conditions of the human eye or its appendages. Prior to 1996, a TPA certification was a stand-alone course. However, accredited optometry schools now include the requirements of TPA certification in their core curriculum.
The Board became aware that schools were no longer offering a TPA course and this bill creates an alternate educational pathway to obtain a TPA for applicants who graduated prior to 1996. The amendments remove schools’ required involvement in TPA certification, authorize an optometrist to be a preceptor, strike reference to educational requirements that are now part of the core curriculum, and allow an optometrist to take different types of accredited education, including continuing education, to meet the education requirements.
Comments
Purpose. This bill is sponsored by the California State Board of Optometry. The author’s office writes, “In 1996, BPC Section 3041.3 was added to define the criteria for California licensed optometrists and for out-of-state licensed optometrists seeking licensure in California on the requirements to be certified [to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents].
“The Board of Optometry has discovered that the didactic course that is required to be completed prior to receiving the certification is no longer offered by schools of optometry. AB 1359 establishes a new process where a preceptor offering the didactic course can either be a TPA certified optometrist or ophthalmologist.
“Post 1996, all optometrists graduate with TPA certifications. Those optometrists who graduated before 1996 have been left with few pathways to attaining TPA certification; TPA stand-alone courses were discontinued in 2009. AB 1359 ensures that a pathway is established for any optometrist that seeks TPA certification.”
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
California State Board of Optometry (source)
California Optometric Association
OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/30/15)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The Board writes in support, “This legislation will set forth criteria for obtaining certification to administer and prescribe TPA for applicants who graduated from an accredited optometry school before 1996…. This criteria aims to help a small group of optometrists who might not be certified have a pathway to do so.”
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/14/15
AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Baker, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Beth Gaines, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Grove, Hadley, Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer, Kim, Lackey, Levine, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Olsen, Patterson, Perea, Quirk, Rendon, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Atkins
NO VOTE RECORDED: Linder, Medina
Prepared by: Sarah Huchel / B., P. & E.D. / (916) 651-4104
7/9/15 8:55:26
**** END ****
AB 1359 (Nazarian) Page 4 of 4
SENATE COMMITTEE ON
BUSINESS, PROFESSIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Senator Jerry Hill, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: AB 1359 Hearing Date: June 15, 2015
Author: |
Nazarian |
||
Version: |
February 27, 2015 |
||
Urgency: |
No |
Fiscal: |
Yes |
Consultant: |
Sarah Huchel |
||
Subject: Optometry: therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification: requirements.
SUMMARY:
Establishes a substitute method of qualifying for a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent (TPA) certification.
Existing law:
Provides, pursuant to the Optometry Practice Act (Act), for the licensure and regulation of optometrists by the Board of Optometry (Board) within the Department of Consumer Affairs. (Business and Professions Code (BPC) § 3000 et seq.)
Defines the practice of optometry to include the prevention and diagnosis of disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, the treatment and management of certain disorders and dysfunctions of the visual system, and the provision of rehabilitative optometric services, as specified. (BPC § 3041)
Authorizes an optometrist certified to use TPAs to also diagnose and treat the human eye or eyes, or any of its or their appendages, for specified conditions and perform certain additional procedures. (BPC § 3041 (b)(e))
Establishes additional requirements to obtain a TPA certificate for an applicant who graduated from optometry school prior to January 1, 1996. (BPC § 3041.3 (b))
Requires the Board to grant a TPA certificate to an applicant who graduated from a California-accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, who is licensed as an optometrist in California, and who:
Passes the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’s national board examination, or its equivalent, as determined by the Board.
Of the total clinical training required by a school of optometry’s curriculum, successfully completed at least 65 of those hours on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease.
Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as competent in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease to the extent authorized by this section.
Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as having completed at least 10 hours of experience with a board-certified ophthalmologist. (BPC § 3041.3 (c))
This
bill:
Replaces the minimum requirement of 80 classroom hours in the diagnosis, pharmacological, and other treatment and management of ocular disease by either an accredited school of optometry in California or a recognized residency review committee in ophthalmology with a minimum requirement of 80 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and system diseases.
Requires an applicant to complete the 80 hours of education prior to beginning a preceptorship.
Allows a TPA-certified optometrist in good standing to serve as a preceptor.
No longer requires a preceptor to be authorized by an accredited school of optometry in California or by a recognized residency review committee.
Strikes the requirement that the preceptorship be in either an ophthalmologist’s office or an optometric clinic.
Requires the preceptor to certify completion of the preceptorship using a Board-approved form.
Strikes the test requirement at completion of the 80 education hours.
Strikes the requirement of a minimum of 20 self-directed study hours.
Clarifies that applicants seeking TPA certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry after January 1, 1996 pass all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’s national board examination.
Strike the following requirements for an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry after January 1, 1996:
Successfully completed at least 65 hours of the total clinical training required by a school of optometry’s curriculum on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular and systemic disease.
Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as competent in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular, systemic disease to the extent authorized by the Act.
Is certified by an accredited school of optometry as having completed at least 10 hours of experience with a board-certified ophthalmologist.
Makes technical and clarifying amendments.
FISCAL EFFECT:
This bill has been keyed “fiscal” by Legislative Counsel. According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee analysis dated May 6, 2015, this bill would have negligible state fiscal effect.
COMMENTS:
Purpose. This bill is sponsored by the California State Board of Optometry. The author’s office writes, “In 1996, BPC Section 3041.3 was added to define the criteria for California licensed optometrists and for out-of-state licensed optometrists seeking licensure in California on the requirements to be certified [to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents].
“The Board of Optometry has discovered that the didactic course that is required to be completed prior to receiving the certification is no longer offered by schools of optometry. AB 1359 establishes a new process where a preceptor offering the didactic course can either be a TPA certified optometrist or ophthalmologist.
“Post 1996, all optometrists graduate with TPA certifications. Those optometrists who graduated before 1996 have been left with few pathways to attaining TPA certification; TPA stand-alone courses were discontinued in 2009. AB 1359 ensures that a pathway is established for any optometrist that seeks TPA certification.”
Background. The Board’s mission is to protect the health and safety of California consumers through licensing, education, and regulation of the practice of optometry. There are currently over 8,800 licensed optometrists.
An optometrist may elect to pursue additional certifications after initial licensure by the Board. The following certifications are currently offered:
Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents
TPA
TPA with Lacrimal Irrigation and Dilation
TPA with Glaucoma Certification
TPA with Lacrimal Irrigation and Dilation and Glaucoma Certification.
The TPA certification indicates that the optometrist is certified to use certain pharmaceuticals to treat specified conditions of the human eye or its appendages. Prior to 1996, a TPA certification was a stand-alone course. However, accredited optometry schools now include the requirements of TPA certification in their core curriculum.
The Board became aware that schools were no longer offering a TPA course and this bill creates an alternate educational pathway to obtain a TPA for applicants who graduated prior to 1996. The amendments remove schools’ required involvement in TPA certification, authorize an optometrist to be a preceptor, strike reference to educational requirements that are now part of the core curriculum, and allow an optometrist to take different types of accredited education, including CEs, to meet the education requirements.
Suggested Amendments.
Current law makes an incorrect reference to a portion of code that does not reference treatable conditions.
On page 3, line 5, delete “(d),”
Current law requires 100 hours to obtain TPA certification: 80 hours of classroom work and 20 hours of self-study. This bill presently requires only 80 hours total; it is recommended that the total education hours be equivalent.
On page 4, line 6, delete “80” and add “100”
Arguments in Support. The Board writes in support, “On behalf of the Board, I am writing to express support of AB 1359. This legislation will set forth criteria for obtaining certification to administer and prescribe TPA for applicants who graduated from an accredited optometry school before 1996…. This criteria aims to help a small group of optometrists who might not be certified have a pathway to do so.”
SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION:
Support:
California State Board of Optometry (Sponsor)
California Optometric Association
Opposition:
None on file as of June 9, 2015.
-- END --
AB 1359
Page 1
Date of Hearing: May 6, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
AB 1359
(Nazarian) – As Introduced February 27, 2015
Policy Committee: |
Business and Professions |
Vote: |
14 - 0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill revises criteria for obtaining certification to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs), for licensed optometrists who graduated from an accredited optometry school before 1996, and establishes separate criteria for those who graduated after 1996.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Negligible state fiscal effect.
COMMENTS:
Purpose. The author explains that after 1996, all optometrists have graduated with TPA certification. However, those optometrists who graduated before 1996 have been left with few pathways to attaining TPA certification because TPA stand-alone courses have been discontinued. This bill is sponsored by the Board of Optometry to establish a new process where a TPA-certified optometrist or ophthalmologist can offer a didactic course.
Background. The TPA designation indicates that the optometrist is certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and the optometrist may treat certain conditions of the human eye, or any of its appendages, with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. The optometrist may also perform certain procedures on the eye.
This bill would require those optometrists who did not receive continuing education prior to 1996, or who did not graduate from an educational program that offered TPA focused training, to work with a preceptor in order to meet the TPA requirement.
Prior Legislation. SB 492 (Hernandez) of 2013-14, would have permitted an optometrist to diagnose, treat, and manage additional conditions with ocular manifestations, directed the Board to establish educational and examination requirements and permitted optometrists to perform vaccinations and surgical and non-surgical primary care procedures. That bill passed this committee with amendments restricting the bill to vaccination certification, and was not taken up for a vote on the Assembly Floor.
Analysis Prepared by: Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
AB 1359
Page 4
Date of Hearing: April 28, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS
Susan Bonilla, Chair
AB 1359
(Nazarian) – As Introduced February 27, 2015
SUBJECT: Optometry: therapeutic pharmaceutical agents certification: requirements.
SUMMARY: Revises criteria for obtaining certification to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs) for licensed optometrists who graduated from an accredited optometry school before or after 1996.
EXISTING LAW:
Establishes the Optometry Practice Act which provides for the licensure and regulation of optometrists by the Board of Optometry (Board), within the Department of Consumer Affairs. (Business and Professions Code (BPC) § 3000 et seq.)
Specifies that the Board shall, by regulation, establish educational and examination requirements for licensure to ensure the competence of optometrist to practice. Only those optometrists who have successfully completed educational and examination requirements as determined by the Board shall be permitted the use of TPAs. (BPC § 3041.2)
States that in order to be certified to use TPAs, an optometrist shall apply for a certificate from the Board and meet all requirements imposed by the Board. (BPC § 3041.3 (a))
Authorizes the Board to grant a certificate to use TPAs to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry prior to January 1, 1996, is licensed as an optometrist, and meets specified requirements. (BPC § 3041.3 (b))
Authorizes the Board to grand a certificate to use TPAs to any applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1996, who is licensed as an optometrist in California, and who meets specified requirements. (BPC § 3041.3 (c))
Authorizes the Board to grant a certificate to use TPAs to any applicant who is an optometrist who obtained his or her license outside of California if he or she meets all of the requirements for an optometrist licensed in California to be certified to use TPAs. (BPC § 3041.3 (d))
THIS BILL:
Deletes certain requirements for an applicant for TPA certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, prior to January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, including, but not limited to, completing a didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours, as specified.
Requires preceptorships to be with either a TPA certified optometrist in good standing or a physician and surgeon board certified in ophthalmology in good standing.
Requires such an applicant to complete a minimum of 80 hours of directed and accredited education in ocular and systemic diseases.
Requires a preceptor to certify completion of the preceptorship on a form approved by the board.
Exempts and optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, from meeting specified requirements for the issuance of a certificate to use TPAs, including the didactic course of at least 80 classroom hours.
Deletes exemptions for an optometrist who graduated from an accredited school of optometry on or after January 1, 1992, and before January 1, 1996, and instead requires them to meet requirements for the issuance of a TPA certification.
Authorizes the Board to grant a certificate to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to an applicant who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state if certain requirements are met, including, but not limited to, completing 10 hours of experience with a Board certified ophthalmologist.
Deletes certain training and certification requirements for an applicant of a TPA certification who graduated from a California accredited school of optometry, on or after January 1, 1996, and is licensed as an optometrist in the state, and would instead require such an applicant to pass all sections of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry’s national board examination or its equivalent in order to be granted a TPA certification.
Makes other technical changes.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This bill is keyed fiscal by the Legislative Counsel.
COMMENTS:
Purpose. This bill is sponsored by the Board of Optometry. According to the author, “The Board of Optometry has discovered that the didactic course that is required to be completed prior to receiving the certification is no longer offered by schools of optometry. AB 1359 establishes a new process where a preceptor offering the didactic course can either be a TPA certified optometrist or ophthalmologist. Post 1996, all optometrists have graduated with TPA certification. Those optometrists who graduate before 1996 have been left with few pathways to attaining TPA certification because in 2009, TPA stand-alone courses have been discontinued.”
Background. The TPA designation indicates that the optometrist is certified to use therapeutic pharmaceutical agents and the optometrist may treat certain conditions of the human eye, or any of its appendages, with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. The optometrist may also perform certain procedures on the eye.
According to the Board, there are approximately 500 TPA certified optometrists in California. In 1996, BPC § 3041.3 was added to define the criteria for TPA certification for California licensed optometrists and for out-of-state licensed optometrists who desired to practice in California. Optometrists who graduated from an accredited educational program prior to 1996 were eligible to receive a TPA certificate from the Board if they could show evidence of completing several requirements including a preceptorship and a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education.
Licensing Examination and Education Programs. The addition of BPC § 3041.3 prompted changes to the national examination for optometrists, and the curriculum requirements of many optometry programs. According to the Board, education programs now routinely include curriculum on TPA and the licensing examination also includes information on TPA. As such, optometry students graduate with TPA certification and there is no need for continuing education courses to be offered. This makes it difficult for those who completed their education prior to 1996, but did not complete a TPA continuing education course prior to 2009, to gain TPA certification.
Preceptor Requirements. This bill would require those optometrists who did not receive continuing education prior to 2009 or who did not graduate from an educational program that offered TPA focused training, to work with a preceptor in order to meet the TPA requirement. The preceptor can be a TPA certified optometrist, who has been in practice for at least two years, or a physician and surgeon board certified in ophthalmology. These professionals must be in good standing with their licensing boards.
Prior Related Legislation. SB 492 (Hernandez) of 2014, was substantially similar to AB 492 of 2013. NOTE: This bill was held on the Assembly floor.
SB 492 (Hernandez) of 2013, would have permitted an optometrist to diagnose treat and manage additional conditions with ocular manifestations, directed the Board to establish educational and examination requirements and permitted optometrists to perform vaccinations and surgical and non-surgical primary care procedures. NOTE: this bill was held in the Assembly Committee on Business, Professions and Consumer Protection.
SB 821 (Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development), Chapter 473, Statutes of 2013, clarified the preferred name for a license is “optometrist license” and the preferred name for certifications is “optometrist certification(s)” and made conforming changes.
AB 761 (Roger Hernandez), Chapter 714, Statutes of 2012, provided that a laboratory director may include a licensed optometrist and authorized an optometrist to perform certain clinical laboratory tests or examinations classified as waived under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA).
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:
The Board of Optometry (sponsor) writes in support, “The Board has discovered that the didactic course that is required to be completed prior to receiving the certification is no longer offered by schools of optometry. AB 1359 establishes a new process where a preceptor offering the didactic course can either be a TPA certified optometrist or ophthalmologist. Since 2009, all optometrists graduate with TPA certifications, but those optometrists who graduate before 1996 have been left with few pathways to attaining TPA certification.”
The California Optometric Association also supports the bill and writes, “COA supports your efforts to create a clear and logical avenue for TPA certification.”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION:
None on file.
REGISTERED SUPPORT:
Board of Optometry (sponsor)
California Optometric Association
REGISTERED OPPOSITION:
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by: Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Ph.D. / B. & P. / (916) 319-3301
Discussed in Hearing
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Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):