H.F. 179 Section 1. Section 154.1, subsection 3, paragraph a, Code 1 2023, is amended to read as follows: 2 a. An optometrist licensed under this chapter may employ 3 all diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents for the 4 purpose of diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the human 5 eye and adnexa pursuant to this subsection , and notwithstanding 6 section 147.107 , may without charge supply any diagnostic and 7 therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to commence a course of 8 therapy. A licensed optometrist may perform minor surgical 9 procedures and use medications for the diagnosis and treatment 10 of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eye and adnexa. 11 A license to practice optometry under this chapter does 12 not authorize the performance of surgical procedures which 13 require the use of injectable or general anesthesia, moderate 14 sedation, penetration of the globe, or the use of ophthalmic 15 lasers for the purpose of ophthalmic surgery within or upon 16 the globe. The removal of pterygia and Salzmann’s nodules, 17 incisional corneal refractive surgery, and strabismus surgery 18 are prohibited. 19 Sec. 2. Section 154.1, subsection 3, paragraph b, 20 subparagraph (1), Code 2023, is amended by adding the following 21 new subparagraph division: 22 NEW SUBPARAGRAPH DIVISION . (e) Local injectable 23 anesthetics prior to the administration of injections 24 authorized in subparagraph divisions (a) through (d). 25 EXPLANATION 26 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 27 the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. 28 This bill allows a licensed optometrist to administer a 29 local injectable anesthetic prior to the administration of 30 other injections authorized by law. Current law requires a 31 licensed optometrist to receive approval from the board of 32 optometry prior to administering an injection. 33 -1- LSB 1887YH (2) 90 ss/rh 1/ 1