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HB 7059 — Optometry
by Health and Human Services Committee and Rep. Cummings (CS/CS/SB 520 by Rules Committee; Health Policy Committee; and Senators Young and Campbell)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Health Policy Committee (HP)
The bill authorizes the Department of Health to accept proof of a passing score on a licensure examination within three years before or after the submission of an application for an optometrist license. This process applies to a new licensee in the practice of optometry as well as to a person who is licensed to practice optometry in another state who seeks licensure in Florida.
The bill eliminates the requirement in current law that any person seeking an optometry license in Florida must file an application for licensure and subsequently take and successfully pass the licensure exam.
The bill requires the Board of Optometry to approve the licensure examination and clarifies that the board may, by rule, offer a practical examination in addition to a written examination. The bill also makes a conforming change to optometric faculty certificate requirements.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect upon becoming law.
Vote: Senate 34-0; House 110-0