1 Authorization to Perform Ophthalmic Laser Procedures. Amend RSA 327 by inserting after section 6-c the following new section:

327:6-d Authorization to Perform Ophthalmic Laser Procedures.

I. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an optometrist licensed under this chapter shall be authorized to perform the following ophthalmic laser procedures upon certification by the board:

(a) Laser capsulotomy.

(b) Laser trabeculoplasty.

(c) Laser peripheral iridotomy.

II. The board shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A establishing the criteria for certification of an optometrist to perform ophthalmic laser procedures with proficiency, including:

(a) Establishment of minimum education, training, and live experience requirements for a licensee to perform such procedures with proficiency;

(b) Criteria for requiring proctoring and criteria for proctors;

(c) Outcome reporting requirements for such procedures performed by certificate holders; and

(d) A means of identification and verification of optometrists certified to perform advanced procedures.

III. No optometrist shall perform ophthalmic laser procedures under this section unless the optometrist has submitted evidence of satisfactory completion of all requirements for specific procedures and the board has certified the optometrist as qualified.

IV.(a) To be certified by the board to perform ophthalmic laser procedures as specified in paragraph I, an optometrist licensed under this chapter shall:

(1) Complete the required application designated by the board; and

(2) Submit evidence of successful completion of a laser course approved by the board that includes didactic and clinical training relative to the ophthalmic laser procedures set forth in paragraph I; and

(3) Demonstrate clinical proficiency in performing the specified ophthalmic laser procedure on a living human eye in the presence of, under the direct supervision of, and to the satisfaction of a board-approved proctor. The proctor shall be an ophthalmologist or an optometrist who is authorized to perform the laser procedure. The licensed applicant shall submit to the board evidence of a minimum of 5 laser capsulotomy, 5 laser trabeculoplasty, and 4 laser peripheral iridotomy procedures performed with proficiency under proctored supervision.

(b) A licensee may apply for certification separately and may receive certification individually for each approved ophthalmic laser procedure based upon the above criteria applied individually for each approved procedure.

V.(a) An optometrist licensed under this chapter may apply for laser certification by endorsement from another state by completing the following:

(1) Complete the required application for laser certification by endorsement designated by the board.

(2) Submit evidence of licensure in good standing in another state.

(3) Provide certification by that state to perform the ophthalmic laser procedures as specified in paragraph I.

(4) Submit evidence of successful completion of a laser course approved by the board that includes didactic and clinical training relative to the ophthalmic laser procedures set forth in paragraph I.

(5) Submit evidence of successful completion of a minimum of 5 laser capsulotomy, 5 laser trabeculoplasty, and 4 laser peripheral iridotomy procedures performed.

(b) A licensee may apply for certification separately and may receive certification individually for each approved ophthalmic laser procedure based upon the above criteria applied individually for each approved procedure.

VI. Prior to any procedure permitted under paragraph I, the licensee shall obtain a patient-signed informed consent form that includes the nature of the procedure, known potential benefits and risks/complications, alternative treatment options, expected prognosis without treatment, and the provider's credentials. The signed informed consent form shall remain part of the patient's medical record.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

1 Authorization to Perform Ophthalmic Laser Procedures. Amend RSA 327 by inserting after section 6-c the following new section:

327:6-d Authorization to Perform Ophthalmic Laser Procedures.

I. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an optometrist licensed under this chapter shall be authorized to perform the following ophthalmic laser procedures upon certification by the board:

(a) Laser capsulotomy.

(b) Laser trabeculoplasty.

(c) Laser peripheral iridotomy.

II. The board shall adopt rules under RSA 541-A establishing the criteria for certification of an optometrist to perform ophthalmic laser procedures with proficiency, including:

(a) Establishment of minimum education, training, and live experience requirements for a licensee to perform such procedures with proficiency;

(b) Criteria for requiring proctoring and criteria for proctors;

(c) Outcome reporting requirements for such procedures performed by certificate holders; and

(d) A means of identification and verification of optometrists certified to perform advanced procedures.

III. No optometrist shall perform ophthalmic laser procedures under this section unless the optometrist has submitted evidence of satisfactory completion of all requirements for specific procedures and the board has certified the optometrist as qualified.

IV.(a) To be certified by the board to perform ophthalmic laser procedures as specified in paragraph I, an optometrist licensed under this chapter shall:

(1) Complete the required application designated by the board; and

(2) Submit evidence of successful completion of a laser course approved by the board that includes didactic and clinical training relative to the ophthalmic laser procedures set forth in paragraph I; and

(3) Demonstrate clinical proficiency in performing the specified ophthalmic laser procedure on a living human eye in the presence of, under the direct supervision of, and to the satisfaction of a board-approved proctor. The proctor shall be an ophthalmologist or an optometrist who is authorized to perform the laser procedure. The licensed applicant shall submit to the board evidence of a minimum of 5 laser capsulotomy, 5 laser trabeculoplasty, and 4 laser peripheral iridotomy procedures performed with proficiency under proctored supervision.

(b) A licensee may apply for certification separately and may receive certification individually for each approved ophthalmic laser procedure based upon the above criteria applied individually for each approved procedure.

V.(a) An optometrist licensed under this chapter may apply for laser certification by endorsement from another state by completing the following:

(1) Complete the required application for laser certification by endorsement designated by the board.

(2) Submit evidence of licensure in good standing in another state.

(3) Provide certification by that state to perform the ophthalmic laser procedures as specified in paragraph I.

(4) Submit evidence of successful completion of a laser course approved by the board that includes didactic and clinical training relative to the ophthalmic laser procedures set forth in paragraph I.

(5) Submit evidence of successful completion of a minimum of 5 laser capsulotomy, 5 laser trabeculoplasty, and 4 laser peripheral iridotomy procedures performed.

(b) A licensee may apply for certification separately and may receive certification individually for each approved ophthalmic laser procedure based upon the above criteria applied individually for each approved procedure.

VI. Prior to any procedure permitted under paragraph I, the licensee shall obtain a patient-signed informed consent form that includes the nature of the procedure, known potential benefits and risks/complications, alternative treatment options, expected prognosis without treatment, and the provider's credentials. The signed informed consent form shall remain part of the patient's medical record.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.