SB120 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Del Marsh
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Greg Albritton Gerald H. Allen Will Barfoot William “Bill” M. Beasley Linda Coleman-Madison Chris Elliott Garlan Gudger Kirk Hatcher Jimmy Holley Andrew Jones Steve Livingston Jim McClendon Arthur Orr Greg J. Reed Clay Scofield David Sessions Bobby D. Singleton Larry Stutts April Weaver Tom Whatley Jack W. Williams
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Optometrists, practice of optometry further provided, Board of Optometry to regulate, to issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings, Secs. 20-2-2, 34-22-1, 34-22-42 am'd.
Summary: SB120 broadens the scope of optometry in Alabama, solidifies the Board of Optometry’s regulatory authority, allows advisory opinions, and clarifies the board’s status under controlled substances law.
What This Bill Does
It expands what optometrists can do, including prescribing and administering certain drugs (such as steroids) and performing specific procedures, with defined restrictions. It gives the Board of Optometry exclusive authority to regulate the practice and to issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings related to this chapter and its rules. It clarifies the board’s status as a certifying board under the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substances Act, with certain exceptions. It becomes effective three months after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects
Optometrists licensed in Alabama, who gain a broader scope of practice (new medications and procedures) and must follow board rules and limitations, including narcotic prescribing limits and advertising rules.
Patients in Alabama, who may have greater access to optometry-led eye care services under expanded scope and with oversight by the Board of Optometry, while certain invasive procedures remain restricted and regulated.

Key Provisions
Amends 34-22-1 to expand the scope of optometry to include prescribing and administering pharmaceutical agents (including steroids), with specific limits on narcotics (Schedule I/II excluded; some Schedule III with Hydrocodone limited; 96-hour max for certain Schedule III drugs) and approvals for certain procedures (e.g., chalazion removal, lid lesion removal/biopsy, laser procedures, corneal crosslinking; injections not into the posterior chamber). Prohibits certain invasive eye surgeries and injections into the eyeball; allows counteraction of anaphylaxis with epinephrine/antihistamines; requires board approval for drug use and forbids the use of the word 'surgeon' in advertising.
Adds authorization for the Alabama Board of Optometry to issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings related to this chapter and the administrative rules adopted under it.
Amends 20-2-2 to clarify that the Alabama Board of Optometry is a certifying board under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, with specified exceptions.
Specifies that the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved by the Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Optometry, Alabama Board of