March 21, 2023 — The American Optometric Association (AOA), along with state associations in Florida, Connecticut, and Texas, are announcing their plans to fight language in legislation that potentially seeks to block, limit, or discourage doctors of optometry from being referenced as doctors and physicians.
The AOA shares that its advocacy leaders view these “Not a Doctor” bills as an attempt to derail optometry-centered scope modernization and expanded patient access proposals being considered by legislatures in a dozen states. In 2021 and 2022, the total number of states where the profession’s education, skills, and training for this type of contemporary care is recognized became 10 when Wyoming, Mississippi, Virginia, and Colorado overcame opposition to enact optometric laser procedure laws. Further, the bills are linked to an old American Medical Association-backed campaign to elicit support for the “Not a Doctor” legislation, aka the “Sullivan Bill,” which was rejected in Congress.
“Optometry will continue to look to the future and the needs of our patients as we advocate for our full recognition and scope modernization priorities and lock in more wins,” says AOA president Ronald L. Benner, O.D. “It’s clear today, however, that those who desperately want to turn back the clock on our advancement need a fresh reminder that our advocacy strength and know-how is also able to defeat any bill that does not clearly recognize optometry’s status as the nation’s primary eyecare doctors.”
The Florida Optometric Association (FOA) has been mobilizing doctors, optometry students, staff, and patients to speak against Senate Bill 230 filed Feb. 9 in the Florida Senate. The bill requires health care practitioners to identify themselves in a specific manner in their advertisements, communication, and personal identification, disclosing the type of license under which an individual practitioner is authorized to provide services, along with the title and abbreviations specified by the bill. It reads, “Only physicians may include titles and abbreviations or medical specialties in their advertisements.” Further, it states grounds for disciplinary action and denial of licensure by regulatory boards.
While the bill does not specifically reference optometry, there is concern that these title restrictions could be used to attack the qualifications of doctors of optometry, particularly those who specialize in certain areas of optometry, says the AOA.
In Texas, bill H.B.2324 was introduced Feb. 14, relating to “regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities.”
“In Texas, we are currently monitoring this type of legislation that would affect the nursing profession but does not affect optometry in the bill's current form,” says Tommy Lucas, O.D., director of advocacy for the Texas Optometric Association. “States should remain vigilant in protecting patients from confusing public policy that would potentially delay and hinder their important eye care.”
For more information: aoa.org.