|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S.B. 474 VETOES
(e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a
therapeutically certified optometrist may not perform any procedure on the eyelid of
a patient.
(2) A therapeutically certified optometrist may epilate with forceps an
eyelash from the eyelid, adnexa, or lacrimal system of a patient.
(f) (1) A therapeutically certified optometrist may remove superficial
foreign bodies from the human eye only if:
[(1)](I) The foreign body may be removed with a cotton-tipped
applicator or blunt spatula; and
[(2)](II) The foreign body has not penetrated beyond the bowman's
membrane of the cornea and is not within 2.5 millimeters of the visual axis.
(2) A THERAPEUTICALLY CERTIFIED OPTOMETRIST MAY REMOVE
RESIDUAL PARTICULATE MATTER FROM THE HUMAN EYE IF THE RESIDUAL
PARTICULATE MATTER MAY BE REMOVED WITH AN ALGER BRUSH.
(g) (1) [Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a] A
therapeutically certified optometrist may [not] order laboratory tests for a patient
THAT ARE NECESSARY TO ADHERE TO THE STANDARDS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
OF TOPICAL PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS PRESCRIBED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS
SECTION.
(2) A therapeutically certified optometrist may order a conjunctival
culture.
(h) A therapeutically certified optometrist may not provide any therapeutic
treatment listed in this section for a child under the age of 1 year.
(i) Unless the standard of care requires an earlier referral, if a therapeutically
certified optometrist diagnoses a corneal ulcer or infiltrate, and the patient does not
have the expected response within 48 hours, the optometrist immediately shall refer
the patient to an ophthalmologist.
(j) A therapeutically certified optometrist shall be held to the same standard
of care as an ophthalmologist who is licensed under Title 14 of this article and who is
providing similar services.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, on or before October 1,
2005, the State Board of Examiners in Optometry shall approve at least one
continuing education course for a therapeutically certified optometrist administered
by the Maryland Optometric Association in conjunction with the Maryland Eye
Surgeons and Physicians on the removal of superficial foreign bodies from the human
eye, adnexa, or lacrimal system that satisfies the requirements of § 11-404.1(b)(1)(iv)
of the Health Occupations Article as enacted by this Act and qualifies as a continuing
education course.
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the State Board of
Examiners in Optometry shall grant a waiver of the certification requirements of §
- 3658 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
