SLS 13RS-467 ORIGINAL
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
Regular Session, 2013
SENATE BILL NO. 189
BY SENATOR HEITMEIER
Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
OPTOMETRISTS. Provides relative to the practice of optometry. (gov sig)
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 37:1041(A), (B), and the introductory paragraph of (C) and the2
introductory paragraph of R.S. 37:1048, relative to optometry; to provide for the3
practice of optometry; to provide relative to the powers of the board; and to provide4
for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 37:1041(A), (B), and the introductory paragraph of (C) and the7
introductory paragraph of R.S. 37:1048 are hereby amended and reenacted to read as8
follows: 9
CHAPTER 12. OPTOMETRY10
§1041. Legislative declaration; statement of purpose; definitions11
A. The practice of optometry in the state of Louisiana is declared a12
professional practice affecting the public health, safety, and welfare and is subject13
to regulation and control in the public interest. It is further declared to be a matter14
of public interest and concern that the practice of optometry, as defined in this15
Chapter, merit and receive the confidence of the public and that only qualified16
persons be permitted to engage in the practice of optometry in the state of Louisiana.17 SB NO. 189
SLS 13RS-467 ORIGINAL
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Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
This Chapter shall be liberally construed to carry out these objectives and purposes.1
B. The purpose of this Chapter is to promote, preserve, and protect the public2
health, safety, and welfare by and through education, as well as effective control and3
regulation of persons, in or out of the state, that practice optometry within this state4
Louisiana.5
C. As used in this Chapter, the following terms have the meaning ascribed6
to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:7
* * *8
§1048. Powers of the board9
The board shall be responsible for the control and regulation of the practice10
of optometry and may:11
* * *12
Section 2. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not13
signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature14
by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If15
vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become16
effective on the day following such approval.17
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Christopher D. Adams
DIGEST
Present law provides for the legislative declaration, statement of purpose, and definitions for
optometry.
Proposed law makes technical changes.
Present law provides the powers of the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners.
Proposed law makes technical changes.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 37:1041(A), (B), (C)(intro para) and 1048(intro para))