Senate bill could reopen long-running fight over optometrists prescribing meds

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A Senate bill filed this week could reopen a long-running fight about expanding the powers of optometrists to prescribe medication.

Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, filed a proposal (SB 278) that would clear the way for optometrists to prescribe oral medications. Currently, they may prescribe what are known as “topical” medications, and ophthalmologists and other medical doctors have fought attempts to expand those powers. The bill would require optometrists to complete a course dealing with medications and take an exam before they would be allowed to prescribe or administer oral drugs. The Florida Optometric Association and the Florida Medical Association, which represents medical doctors, would be required to jointly develop and administer the course and examination.

Via The News Service of Florida.

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