Optometry.

Existing law, the Optometry Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of optometrists by the State Board of Optometry. A violation of the act constitutes a crime. Existing law requires an optometrist, prior to engaging in the practice of optometry, to notify the board in writing of the address or addresses where he or she is to engage, or intends to engage, in the practice of optometry. This bill would authorize the practice of optometry at a health facility or residential care facility, as defined, provided the optometrist meets specified requirements, including, but not limited to, those related to maintaining a nonresidential primary business office, patient access to, and disclosure of, patient records, and specified recordkeeping requirements. The bill would exempt from the address notification requirements to the board an optometrist who practices in a health facility or residential care facility and who meets the above requirements. Because a violation of those provisions would constitute a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Existing law authorizes an assistant in the office of a physician and surgeon or optometrist under the direct responsibility and supervision of a physician and surgeon or optometrist to fit prescription lenses. Existing law also specifies additional duties that an assistant may perform in the office of, and under the direct supervision of, an ophthalmologist or optometrist. This bill would authorize an assistant to fit prescription lenses and perform those additional duties in any setting where optometry or ophthalmology is practiced, under the direct responsibility and supervision of a physician and surgeon, optometrist, or ophthalmologist, respectively. The bill would define "setting" for purposes of this provision to include, without limitation, any facility licensed by the State Department of Public Health or the State Department of Social Services. The bill would make conforming changes to related provisions. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.