HB349 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Danny GarrettRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to the Alabama Board of Optometry; to amend Section 34-22-1, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide further for the scope of practice of an optometrist; to add 34-22-20.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to authorize optometrists to administer certain vaccinations in certain circumstances; to add Section 34-22-20.2 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to prohibit an optometrist from using "surgeon" in advertising; to add 34-22-40.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to establish the board as a certifying board under the Alabama Controlled Substances Act; to amend Section 20-2-2, Code of Alabama 1975, to include the Alabama Board of Optometry in the definition of certifying boards, with certain exceptions; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update existing code language to current style.

Summary

HB349 expands the scope of Alabama optometrists by allowing vaccination administration and certain treatments, aligns the board with the Controlled Substances Act as a certifying board, and adds advertising restrictions.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes licensed optometrists to independently administer influenza, herpes zoster, pneumococcal, and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to adults 18 and older, with a CDC-endorsed vaccination training program and required record-keeping. It expands optometry practice to include prescribing and administering certain pharmaceutical agents and performing limited procedures under board oversight, while prohibiting invasive eye surgeries and eyeball injections. It designates the Alabama Board of Optometry as a certifying board under the Alabama Controlled Substances Act and prohibits using the word 'surgeon' in advertising.

Who It Affects

• Licensed optometrists in Alabama who would gain new vaccination authority and select procedures under new oversight and training requirements
• Alabama residents/patients who may receive vaccines from optometrists and access expanded eye care options under updated safety and record-keeping rules

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: 34-22-20.1 authorizes licensed optometrists to obtain certification to independently administer vaccinations for influenza, herpes zoster, pneumococcus, and SARS-CoV-2 to adults 18+, with a CDC-endorsed vaccination training program and basic life support certification, plus required record-keeping and reporting.
• Provision 2: 34-22-40.1 and related amendments place the Alabama Board of Optometry under the certifying boards defined in CSA and add an advertising restriction that optometrists may not use the word 'surgeon' in advertising.

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

Subjects

Board of Optometry, scope of practice