Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update and clarify the rules regarding what optometrists in Minnesota can do in terms of prescribing and administering drugs, specifically under Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 148.56.

Main Provisions

• Expanded Authority: Optometrists are permitted to prescribe or administer legend drugs (prescription medications) to help diagnose, cure, or manage eye-related diseases and conditions. This must align with courses taught in accredited optometry schools and comply with Minnesota law and Board of Optometry rules.
• Restrictions on Drug Administration: The bill specifies that optometrists cannot administer drugs:
  • Intravenously, intramuscularly, or by injection, except for treating anaphylaxis or specific eye injections such as sub-Tenon, retrobulbar, or intravitreal injections.
  • Schedule II and III oral prescription drugs, which are higher-risk medications, cannot be administered or prescribed.
• Duration Limits for Prescriptions:
  • Oral antivirals cannot be prescribed for more than ten days.
  • Oral steroids are limited to 14 days unless a physician is consulted.
  • Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, used for treating conditions like glaucoma, cannot be prescribed for more than seven days without further consultation.

Significant Changes

• The bill emphasizes the types of drug delivery methods that are not allowed for optometrists, particularly invasive methods such as injections and laser surgeries.
• It adjusts the duration and conditions under which certain oral medications can be prescribed, promoting collaboration with physicians for more extended treatments.

Relevant Terms

optometry, prescription medications, legend drugs, injections, anaphylaxis, antivirals, steroids, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, treatment duration, consultation with physicians, accredited optometry schools.