Texas House Bill HB3710

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the comanagement of glaucoma by ophthalmologists and therapeutic optometrists and the establishment of a comanagement registry.

Impact

The bill has potential implications for state laws regarding the regulation of medical professionals and the standards of care for glaucoma patients. By formalizing the comanagement process and creating an official registry, the legislation establishes protocols for information sharing and accountability among practitioners. This could lead to enhanced patient safety and better treatment outcomes, as patients would be able to verify their care providers' credentials and disciplinary histories through the registry.

Summary

House Bill 3710 establishes a comanagement registry for glaucoma treatment, aimed at improving collaboration between ophthalmologists and therapeutic optometrists. The bill mandates both the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Optometry Board to jointly maintain a searchable public registry that includes details of professionals involved in the comanagement of glaucoma patients. This registry is intended to promote transparency and accessibility of information for patients seeking treatment for glaucoma, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care providers.

Contention

While supporters of HB3710 argue that the establishment of such a registry will improve patient care, there are concerns about the additional regulatory burden it may create for practitioners. Critics may raise issues regarding privacy, the management of sensitive patient information, and the administrative costs associated with maintaining the registry. There may also be concerns over how effectively these regulations will be enforced and whether they could inadvertently limit the autonomy of therapeutic optometrists or create inequalities in access to care.