Protecting the Public since 1907

Announcements

Governor's Regulation Rollback Initiative

FROM: Governor Doug Ducey

TO: REGULATED COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDERS

“Regulation Rollback” is a strategic step in our state’s ongoing work to make Arizona the best state in the nation for businesses and consumers alike.

We’ve made great progress in growing our economy and streamlining state government over the past two years. We still have a lot of work to do to make sure outdated regulations aren’t slowing us down.

No longer will regulations remain in place “just because they’re on the books and nobody’s bothered to change them.”

“Regulation Rollback” is offering a new online service to crowd source recommendations on how to update Arizona’s regulatory system.

At Redtape.AZ.gov, associations, organizations, and individuals across the state can recommend ways to improve or eliminate outdated regulations.

We need your help.Visit this portal for your opportunity to provide specific input to the Governor’s office on an outdated rule or regulation that stifles Arizona’s consumers and job creators.

Submit your suggestions here: www.Redtape.AZ.gov

We thank you for your help in highlighting ways to improve state government and to better serve Arizonans.

Major scope expansion! HB 2380 signed by Governor Brewer on April 30, 2014

Governor Brewer signed into law HB 2380, which expands the scope of practice for optometrists in Arizona.

When the law goes into effect on July 24, 2014, optometrists holding the Pharmaceutical Agent certificate will now be able to prescribe oral medications for the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, as well as oral steroids.

The requirement for referral/consultation with the primary care physician or other specialist has been removed from the language.

Please see the chaptered version of the amended law at http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/51leg/2r/laws/0262.pdf

Amendment to A.R.S. §41-1080

In the 1st regular session of the fiftieth legislature (2011)- An amendment to A.R.S. §41-1080 constitutes that the Citizenship Verification Form (CVF) with documentation is now required for initial licensure only. Once you have submitted the CVF with proper documentation to the Board, it will not be necessary to resubmit at renewal unless you are not a permanent resident of the United States and your citizenship status/documents expire.

Latisse

(formerly Lumigan) is a drug that received FDA approval in 2008 as a treatment for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes, the condition of having inadequate or not enough eyelashes, and is marketed for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.

Arizona therapeutically certified optometrists may prescribe a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of an abnormal condition of the visual system but not for cosmetic purposes. Therefore, while “hypotrichosis” is a relative term, a licensed optometrist who holds a therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (PA) certificate may prescribe Latisse for a diagnosed condition of hypotrichosis supported by proper documentation in the patient’s record. Doctors holding only a DPA or TPA certificate may NOT prescribe Latisse.

License Renewals

The Board processes all license renewals within 24-48 hours from the date of receipt. If it has been longer than one week since you renewed and you have not received your renewed license in the mail, please contact the Board.

Do you know about the voluntary Department of Transportation reporting law?

Pursuant to A.R.S. §28-3005, optometrists may voluntarily report a patient (to the Department of Motor Vehicles) who has a medical condition that, in the opinion of the optometrist, could significantly impair the person's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The law also states that the optometrist providing the information to the director in good faith is immune from personal liability with respect to the information being provided.

Full text of statute

Physician's Reporting Form

Prescription Disclaimers

Please be aware that pursuant to 16 C.F.R. §456.2(d), it is an unfair act or practice for an ophthalmologist or optometrist to place on the prescription, or require the patient to sign, or deliver to the patient a form or notice waiving or disclaiming the liability or responsibility of the ophthalmologist or optometrist for the accuracy of the eye examination or the accuracy of the ophthalmic goods and services dispensed by another seller.

In addition, under the Optometry Board’s statutes at A.R.S. §32-1743(12), the Board may discipline an optometrist for any violation of any statutes, laws or rules regulating the practice of optometry in this state or any other jurisdiction of the United States.