2001 House Bill 5552 / 2002 Public Act 599

Introduced in the House

Dec. 21, 2001

Introduced by Rep. Susan Tabor (R-71)

To allow an optometrist to diagnose glaucoma and to begin treatment with topically or orally administered antiglaucoma drugs. If the condition did not respond to initial drug treatment, the patient would have to be referred to an ophthalmologist.

Referred to the Committee on Health Policy

May 9, 2002

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with a version recommended by the committee which reported it. The substitute incorporates minor or technical changes resulting from committee testimony and deliberation. These do not affect its substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Gilda Jacobs (D-35)

To require an optometrist to consult an ophthalmologist for co-management of the initial treatment of glaucoma, which is essentially what is required under current law.

The amendment failed 29 to 74 (details)

Substitute offered by Rep. Tom George (R-61)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one which would not allow an optometrist to prescribe orally administered antiglaucoma drugs.

The substitute failed 24 to 79 (details)

Amendment offered by Rep. Andrew Raczkowski (R-37)

To not allow an optometrist to prescribe orally administered antiglaucoma drugs.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Tom George (R-61)

To require an optometrist to report to the Michigan Board of Optometry within 10 days any adverse patient reaction to a diagnostic pharmaceutical agent or a therapeutical pharmaceutical agent, or the failure of a patient to demonstrate adequate clinical progress after treatment.

The amendment failed 35 to 71 (details)

Amendment offered by Rep. Andrew Raczkowski (R-37)

To require an optometrist to undergo the same continuing education requirements for the treatment of glaucoma as are required for an ophthalmologist under current law.

The amendment failed 26 to 79 (details)

Amendment offered by Rep. Douglas Bovin (D-108)

To require an optometrist treating glaucoma to undergo 50 percent of the continuing education requirements that are required for an ophthalmologist under current law.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Stephen Ehardt (R-83)

To require an optometrist to undergo 40 hours of education requirements every two years, rather than 24 hours as under current law.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 80 to 24 (details)

Received in the Senate

May 9, 2002

To allow an optometrist to diagnose glaucoma and to begin treatment with topically or orally administered antiglaucoma drugs. If the condition did not respond to initial drug treatment, the patient would have to be referred to an ophthalmologist.

Dec. 4, 2002

Passed in the Senate 26 to 8 (details)

Signed by Gov. John Engler

Dec. 13, 2002