SB 622 Update

In a letter sent to all COA members, David Redman, chair of the Legislation and Regulation Committee announced that SB 622, COA's scope of practice bill, didn't pass through the Assembly Business and Professions Committee (B&P Committee).

When it became apparent that the bill didn’t have enough votes to pass, Senator Ed Hernandez, OD, pulled the bill before it could be heard.

Dr. Redman stated that COA needed the support from the new chair of the B&P Committee, Assembly Member Rudy Salas. He asked for significant changes to the bill that COA could not accept. One was creating a task force of two optometrists, two ophthalmologists and one public member to determine how scope would be expanded and what training would be required.

While scope continues to be a priority, COA will be reviewing and reevaluating strategy on this issue. As COA looks forward into other big issues facing optometry, efforts to further strengthen relationships at the Capitol will be made.

In his letter, Dr. Redman thanked everyone who sent letters, made phone calls, and met with legislators on the issue. These efforts are invaluable and will be needed for future legislative efforts.

Watch for the next edition of Government Affairs Weekly for more on COA’s legislative efforts.