HB146 Alabama 2017 Session

Opticians and contact lens fitters are not licensed in the state

This bill would prohibit an individual from fitting or dispensing eyewear unless he or she is certified to do so by the American Board of Opticianry or is a licensed physician or optometrist

This bill would prohibit an individual from fitting or dispensing contact lenses unless he or she is certified to do so by the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners or is a licensed physician or optometrist

This bill would authorize a certified contact lens fitter to fit and dispense contact lenses only to the extent authorized and under the supervision of a prescribing physician or optometrist

This bill would also provide for penalties for violations

Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, prohibits a general law whose purpose or effect would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds from becoming effective with regard to a local governmental entity without enactment by a 2/3 vote unless: it comes within one of a number of specified exceptions; it is approved by the affected entity; or the Legislature appropriates funds, or provides a local source of revenue, to the entity for the purpose

The purpose or effect of this bill would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of the amendment. However, the bill does not require approval of a local governmental entity or enactment by a 2/3 vote to become effective because it comes within one of the specified exceptions contained in the amendment

Relating to opticians; to prohibit an individual from fitting or dispensing eyewear unless he or she is certified to do so by the American Board of Opticianry or is a licensed physician or optometrist; to prohibit an individual from fitting or dispensing contact lenses unless he or she is certified to do so by the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners or is a licensed physician or optometrist; to authorize a certified contact lens fitter to fit and dispense contact lenses only to the extent authorized and under the supervision of a prescribing physician or optometrist; to provide for penalties for violations; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended.