Introduced Version
House Concurrent Resolution 46 History
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HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 46
(By Delegates Perdue, Hatfield, Perry, Rodighiero, Staggers,
Moye, Phillips, Lawrence, Eldridge, Border, Rowan, Andes, C.
Miller and J. Miller)
[Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources;
reported March 23, 2009.]
Requesting the Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a
study on expanding the scope of practice for optometrists.
W
HEREAS
, Access to quality eye and vision care are essential
services necessary to all West Virginia citizens; and
W
HEREAS
, Expansion of primary eye care in West Virginia would
improve access for citizens to obtain these services; and
Whereas, There is a demonstrated need to examine the possible
expansion of the optometry scope of practice; and
W
HEREAS
, Curriculum in all accredited schools of optometry
currently includes (but is not limited to); the dispensing of
optical and plino lenses, the prescribing of certain
pharmaceuticals and other forms of optical practices and
procedures; and
Whereas, There are some statutory restrictions that are
perceived to be limiting to the practice of Optometry and
preventing optometrists from offering some services that they are
trained to provide; and
Whereas, The interim study would include a review of other
state laws, a comparison of curriculums and various training
components available to optometrists, a study of the need for
optometrists to order diagnostic and therapeutic laboratory tests;
and a discussion of the safety of expanding the scope of practice
of optometrists;
W
HEREAS
, It is the intent of the Legislature to obtain input
from professional optometric organizations, the West Virginia Board
of Optometry, physician entities, including the Board of Medicine
and the West Virginia Academy of Opthalmology and other entities
that it is determined would be beneficial to the discussions to
study the feasibility of the expansion of the optometric scope of
practice, any parameters that need to be established to ensure that
any expansion of the scope of practice of optometrists would
improve the services available and ensure the safety of patients in
West Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the expansion of the scope of practice for
optometrists; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.