Bill

SB 993

87(R) - 2021
Senate Business and Commerce
House Public Health
Senate Business and Commerce
House Public Health
Occupational Licensing

Contact the Author

Kelly Hancock

Phone:

512-463-0109

Capitol Office:

4E.2

Email:

Vote Recommendation

Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Kelly Hancock

Co-Author(s)

Royce West

Sponsor(s)

Terry Canales
Stephanie Klick

Co-Sponsor(s)

Rafael Anchia
Trent Ashby
Cecil Bell Jr.
DeWayne Burns
Jeff Cason
Sam Harless
Cody Harris
Justin Holland
Dan Huberty
Matt Krause
John Kuempel
Jeff Leach
Ray Lopez
Eddie Lucio III
Mayes Middleton
Ina Minjarez
Christina Morales
Penny Morales Shaw
Candy Noble
Tan Parker
Jarred Patterson
Dennis Paul
Eddie Rodriguez
Scott Sanford
Mike Schofield
Bryan Slaton
Ed Thompson
Tony Tinderholt
James White

Bill Caption

Relating to the practice of therapeutic optometry.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The Optometry Board indicates that costs related to expert review of complaints as outlined by the bill cannot be determined at this time. If the number or complexity of associated complaints increases, the agency does not anticipate being able to absorb these expenses within existing appropriations and may be required to raise fees.

Bill Analysis

SB 993 would make some adjustments to the regulation and scope of practice of Optometrists in Texas.

The bill creates a process for a therapeutic optometrist to become certified to treat glaucoma, allows therapeutic optometrists to prescribe not more than a three day supply of any Schedule III, IV, or V federal controlled substance, and creates a requirement for a therapeutic optometrist to refer patients to an ophthalmologist if the patient has certain conditions. 

The bill would require the Texas Optometry Board, in collaboration with the Texas Medical Board, to create a process for the hearing and resolution of complaints made by patients treated for glaucoma by therapeutic optometrists. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action is neutral on SB 993.

Contact the Author

Kelly Hancock

Phone:

512-463-0109

Capitol Office:

4E.2

Email: