OPTOMETRIC PRACTICE-TELEHEALTH

Amends the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987. Provides that an optometrist licensed under the Act may practice optometry through telehealth as authorized by the Act and the Telehealth Act. Provides that an optometrist treating a patient located in Illinois through telehealth must be licensed under the Act. Provides that an optometrist practicing optometry through telehealth is subject to the same standard of care and practice standards that are applicable to optometric services provided in a clinic or office setting. Provides that an optometrist may not provide telehealth services unless the optometrist has established a provider-patient relationship with the patient. Provides that an optometrist treating a patient through telehealth must perform a minimum eye examination as required by the Illinois Administrative Code before prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses to the patient. Provides that if the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has reason to believe that a person has violated the provisions of the Act, it may issue a rule to show cause why an order to cease and desist should not be entered against that person. Provides that the rule shall clearly set forth the grounds relied upon by the Department and shall provide a period of 7 days from the date of the rule to file an answer to the satisfaction of the Department. Provides that failure to answer to the satisfaction of the Department shall cause an order to cease and desist to be issued immediately. Defines terms. Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Provides that if there is any conflict between the provisions of the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987 and the provisions of the Telehealth Act, the provisions of the Illinois Optometric Practice Act of 1987 control. Provides that an optometrist may treat a patient through telehealth in the absence of a provider-patient relationship when, in the professional judgment of the optometrist, emergency care is required. Provides that an optometrist treating a patient through telehealth must perform at least a minimum eye examination (rather than must perform a minimum eye examination) before prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses to the patient.