North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota House Bill HB1267 Compare Versions

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1		-	Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly of North Dakota
2		-	In Regular Session Commencing Tuesday, January 7, 2025
3		-	HOUSE BILL NO. 1267
4		-	(Representatives Warrey, Louser, M. Ruby, Vollmer)
5		-	(Senators Barta, Roers)
6		-	AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 43-13-01, 43-13-02, 43-13-05, 43-13-07, 43-13-08, 43-13-13,
7		-	43-13-13.2, 43-13-13.3, 43-13-15, 43-13-16, 43-13-17, and 43-13-19 of the North Dakota
8		-	Century Code, relating to optometrist licensure.
	1	+	25.0935.01002
	2	+	Title.02000
	3	+	Adopted by the Industry, Business and
	4	+	Labor Committee
	5	+	Sixty-ninth
	6	+	February 11, 2025
	7	+	Legislative Assembly
	8	+	of North Dakota
	9	+	Introduced by
	10	+	Representatives Warrey, Louser, M. Ruby, Vollmer
	11	+	Senators Barta, Roers
	12	+	A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact sections 43-13-01, 43-13-02, 43-13-05, 43-13-07,
	13	+	43-13-08, 43-13-13, 43-13-13.2, 43-13-13.3, 43-13-15, 43-13-16, 43-13-17, and 43-13-19 of the
	14	+	North Dakota Century Code, relating to optometrist licensure.
9	15		BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NORTH DAKOTA:
10		-	SECTION 1. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-01 of the North Dakota Century Code is ~~amended and~~
11		-	reenacted as follows:
	16	+	SECTION 1. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-01 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	17	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
12	18		43-13-01. Definitions.
13	19		In this chapter, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:
14	20		1."Board" means the North Dakota state board of optometry.
15		-	2."Diagnosis and treatment" means the determination, interpretation, and treatment of any
16		-	visual, muscular, neurological, interpretative, or anatomical anomaly of the eye which may be
17		-	aided, relieved, or corrected through visual training procedures or through the use of lenses,
18		-	prisms, filters, ophthalmic instruments, pharmaceutical agents, or combinations thereof, held
19		-	either in contact with the eye, or in frames or mountings, as further authorized by this chapter.
20		-	Laser therapy and the use of invasive surgery are not permitted under this chapter, except
21		-	superficial foreign bodies may be removed and primary care procedures may be performed.
22		-	3."Optometry" means a primary health care profession whose practitioners are engaged in the
23		-	evaluation of disorders of the human eye and the examination, diagnosis, and treatment
24		-	thereof, together with its appendagesDistant site provider" means a provider of optometric
25		-	services through telemedicine from a site other than the patient's origination site. A distant site
26		-	provider must hold an active license to practice optometry in this state.
27		-	4."Optometric services" means any evaluation, examination, diagnosis, or treatment provided
28		-	for a patient within the scope of practice of optometry. The term includes the prescription of
29		-	pharmaceutical agents by a provider to a patient.
	21	+	2."Diagnosis and treatment" means the determination, interpretation, and treatment of
	22	+	any visual, muscular, neurological, interpretative, or anatomical anomaly of the eye
	23	+	which may be aided, relieved, or corrected through visual training procedures or
	24	+	through the use of lenses, prisms, filters, ophthalmic instruments, pharmaceutical
	25	+	agents, or combinations thereof, held either in contact with the eye, or in frames or
	26	+	mountings, as further authorized by this chapter. Laser therapy and the use of invasive
	27	+	surgery are not permitted under this chapter, except superficial foreign bodies may be
	28	+	removed and primary care procedures may be performed.
	29	+	3."Optometry" means a primary health care profession whose practitioners are engaged
	30	+	in the evaluation of disorders of the human eye and the examination, diagnosis, and
	31	+	treatment thereof, together with its appendagesDistant site provider" means a provider
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	33	+	HOUSE BILL NO. 1267
	34	+	PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
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	56	+	of optometric services through telemedicine from a site other than the patient's
	57	+	origination site. A distant site provider must hold an active license to practice
	58	+	optometry in this state .
	59	+	4."Optometric services" means any evaluation, examination, diagnosis, or treatment
	60	+	provided for a patient within the scope of practice of optometry. The term includes the
	61	+	prescription of pharmaceutical agents by a provider to a patient.
30	62		5."Pharmaceutical agent" means diagnostic pharmaceutical agents or therapeutic
31		-	pharmaceutical agents. The term includes nonscheduled pharmaceutical agents, ~~except for~~
32		-	acetaminophen with thirty milligrams of codeine, that have documented use ~~in the treatment of~~
33		-	ocular-related disorders or diseases. As used in this subsection:
34		-	a."Diagnostic pharmaceutical agents" means pharmaceutical agents administered ~~for the~~
35		-	evaluation and diagnosis of disorders of the human eye including ~~anesthetics, mydriatics,~~
36		-	myotics, cycloplegics, diagnostic dyes, diagnostic stains, ~~and pharmaceutical agents to~~
37		-	evaluate abnormal pupil responses.
38		-	b."Therapeutic pharmaceutical agents" includes topically administered and ~~prescribed~~
39		-	pharmaceutical agents for treatment of ocular-related disorders or ~~disease, locally~~
40		-	administered pharmaceutical agents for primary eye care ~~procedures, oral anti-infective~~
41		-	agents, oral antihistaminic agents, and oral ~~analgesics for the treatment of ocular-related~~
42		-	disorders or diseases.
43		-	5.6."Practicing optometry" means: ~~H. B. NO. 1267 - PAGE 2~~
	63	+	pharmaceutical agents. The term includes nonscheduled pharmaceutical agents,
	64	+	except for acetaminophen with thirty milligrams of codeine, that have documented use
	65	+	in the treatment of ocular-related disorders or diseases. As used in this subsection:
	66	+	a."Diagnostic pharmaceutical agents" means pharmaceutical agents administered
	67	+	for the evaluation and diagnosis of disorders of the human eye including
	68	+	anesthetics, mydriatics, myotics, cycloplegics, diagnostic dyes, diagnostic stains,
	69	+	and pharmaceutical agents to evaluate abnormal pupil responses.
	70	+	b."Therapeutic pharmaceutical agents" includes topically administered and
	71	+	prescribed pharmaceutical agents for treatment of ocular-related disorders or
	72	+	disease, locally administered pharmaceutical agents for primary eye care
	73	+	procedures, oral anti-infective agents, oral antihistaminic agents, and oral
	74	+	analgesics for the treatment of ocular-related disorders or diseases.
	75	+	5.6."Practicing optometry" means:
44	76		a.Displaying a sign or in any way advertising as an optometrist.
45		-	b.Employing any means for the measurement of the powers of vision or the adaptation of
46		-	lenses for the aid thereof.
47		-	c.Engaging in any manner in the practice of optometry.
48		-	SECTION 2. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-02 of the North Dakota Century Code is amended and
49		-	reenacted as follows:
	77	+	b.Employing any means for the measurement of the powers of vision or the
	78	+	adaptation of lenses for the aid thereof.
	79	+	c.Engaging in any manner in the practice of optometry
	80	+	6. "Practice of optometry" means the examination of the human eye and its appendages,
	81	+	and the employment of any means for the measurement of the powers of visions or
	82	+	any visual, muscular, neurological, interpretative, or anatomical anomalies of the visual
	83	+	processes, and the prescribing or employment of lenses, prism, frames, mountings,
	84	+	visual training procedure, the prescribing or administration, except by injection of
	85	+	pharmaceutical agents related to the diagnosis and treatment of the human eye and
	86	+	its appendages, and any other means or method for correction, remedy, or relief of
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	120	+	any insufficiencies or abnormal conditions of the visual processes of the human eye
	121	+	and its appendages, including removal of superficial foreign bodies from the eye,
	122	+	except surgery.
	123	+	SECTION 2. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-02 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	124	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
50	125		43-13-02. Persons exempt from provisions of chapter.
51	126		The provisions of this chapter do not apply to the following persons:
52		-	1.Persons who sell spectacles, eyeglasses, or other articles of merchandise without attempting
53		-	to practice optometry.
54		-	2.Student interns who are currently enrolled in an optometry school or college accredited by the
55		-	accreditation council on optometric education of the American optometric association, or its
56		-	successor agency, or who have graduated no more than threesix months prior, and are under
57		-	the immediate and direct supervision of a licensed optometrist.
	127	+	1.Persons who sell spectacles, eyeglasses, or other articles of merchandise without
	128	+	attempting to practice optometry.
	129	+	2.Student interns who are currently enrolled in an optometry school or college
	130	+	accredited by the accreditation council on optometric education of the American
	131	+	optometric association, or its successor agency, or who have graduated no more than
	132	+	threesix months prior, and are under the immediate and direct supervision of a
	133	+	licensed optometrist.
58	134		3.Physicians and surgeons licensed under chapter 43-17.
59		-	SECTION 3. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-05 of the North Dakota Century Code is amended and
60		-	reenacted as follows:
61		-	43-13-05. SecretaryExecutive director of board - Duties - Record - Custodian of fees - Report.
62		-	The secretaryexecutive director of the board, or the secretary'sexecutive director's designee, has
63		-	the following duties:
	135	+	SECTION 3. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-05 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	136	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
	137	+	43-13-05. SecretaryExecutive director of board - Duties - Record - Custodian of fees -
	138	+	Report.
	139	+	The secretaryexecutive director of the board, or the secretary'sexecutive director's
	140	+	designee, has the following duties:
64	141		1.Keep a full record of the proceedings of the board.
65	142		2.Be custodian of all fees coming into the possession of the board.
66		-	3.At such times as may be required by the board, furnish a complete statement of ~~receipts and~~
67		-	disbursements under oath, together with vouchers, receipts, and such ~~other evidence of the~~
68		-	receipts and disbursements as may be required by the board.
69		-	SECTION 4. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-07 of the North Dakota Century Code is ~~amended and~~
70		-	reenacted as follows:
	143	+	3.At such times as may be required by the board, furnish a complete statement of
	144	+	receipts and disbursements under oath, together with vouchers, receipts, and such
	145	+	other evidence of the receipts and disbursements as may be required by the board.
	146	+	SECTION 4. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-07 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	147	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
71	148		43-13-07. Compensation and expenses of board members.
72		-	A member of the board shall receive as compensation for each day the member actually is engaged
73		-	in performing the duties of office a per diem as established by the board, mileage and travel expenses
74		-	as are provided for in section 54-06-09, and additional allowance for other necessary expenses
75		-	incurred in attending said meeting not to exceed five dollars per day. All funds collected or received by
76		-	the board must be deposited and disbursed in accordance with section 54-44-12.
77		-	SECTION 5. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-08 of the North Dakota Century Code is amended and
78		-	reenacted as follows:
	149	+	A member of the board shall receive as compensation for each day the member actually is
	150	+	engaged in performing the duties of office a per diem as established by the board, mileage and
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	184	+	travel expenses as are provided for in section 54-06-09, and additional allowance for other
	185	+	necessary expenses incurred in attending said meeting not to exceed five dollars per day. All
	186	+	funds collected or received by the board must be deposited and disbursed in accordance with
	187	+	section 54-44-12.
	188	+	SECTION 5. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-08 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	189	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
79	190		43-13-08. SecretaryExecutive director of board - Compensation.
80		-	The secretaryexecutive director of the board shall receive for clerical expenses and other expenses
81		-	of the board an allowance, and a salary or other compensation, as the board shall determine. H. B. NO. 1267 - PAGE 3
82		-	SECTION 6. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-13 of the North Dakota Century Code is amended and
83		-	reenacted as follows:
	191	+	The secretaryexecutive director of the board shall receive for clerical expenses and other
	192	+	expenses of the board an allowance, and a salary or other compensation, as the board shall
	193	+	determine.
	194	+	SECTION 6. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-13 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	195	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
84	196		43-13-13. Duties of board.
85	197		The board has the following duties:
86	198		1.To enforce the provisions and carry out the purposes of this chapter.
87		-	2.To make and enforce such rules and regulations consistent with law as may be necessary for
88		-	the proper performance of its duties; the effective enforcement of this chapter; the reasonable
89		-	regulation of the profession of optometry and the practice thereof by persons licensed under
90		-	this chapter; and to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the citizens of this state.
91		-	3.To proceed in the courts of this state by injunction when considered necessary to restrain any
92		-	violation of this chapter.
	199	+	2.To make and enforce such rules and regulations consistent with law as may be
	200	+	necessary for the proper performance of its duties; the effective enforcement of this
	201	+	chapter; the reasonable regulation of the profession of optometry and the practice
	202	+	thereof by persons licensed under this chapter; and to protect the health, welfare, and
	203	+	safety of the citizens of this state.
	204	+	3.To proceed in the courts of this state by injunction when considered necessary to
	205	+	restrain any violation of this chapter.
93	206		4.To establish the following by rule:
94	207		a.Application fees;
95	208		b.License fees;
96	209		c.Renewal fees;
97	210		d.Late fees;
98	211		e.Endorsement fees;
99	212		f.Licensure verification fee;
100	213		g.Decorative wall certificate fee; and
101	214		h.Continuing education fees.
102		-	SECTION 7. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-13.2 of the North Dakota Century Code is amended and
103		-	reenacted as follows:
104		-	43-13-13.2. Practice of optometry - Certification requirements - NotificationRequirements to
105		-	practice optometry - Informed consent .
106		-	1.Any person engaged in visual training procedures or who employs or prescribes lenses,
107		-	prisms, filters, ophthalmic instruments, or combinations thereof, held either in contact with the
108		-	eye, or in frames or mounting, to aid, relieve, or correct any visual or ocular anomaly, or holds
109		-	out as being able to do so, is deemed to be engaged in the practice of optometry.
110		-	2.Before any optometrist may prescribe and administer pharmaceutical agents in the treatment
111		-	and management of ocular diseases, the optometrist must first be certified or qualify for
112		-	certification in the use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents. For additional certification to
113		-	prescribe and administer pharmaceutical agents in the treatment and management of ocular
114		-	disease, the board shall require at least seventy-six hours of didactic instruction and
115		-	twenty-four hours of clinical application of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment and
116		-	management of ocular diseases. The course for therapeutic certification must be provided by
117		-	an institution accredited by a regional or professional accrediting organization that is
118		-	recognized and approved by the United States department of education or the council on
119		-	postsecondary accreditation.
120		-	3.An optometrist may not dispense therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, except an optometrist
121		-	may: H. B. NO. 1267 - PAGE 4
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	248	+	SECTION 7. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-13.2 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	249	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
	250	+	43-13-13.2. Practice of optometry - Certification requirements -
	251	+	NotificationRequirements to practice optometry - Informed consent .
	252	+	1.Any person engaged in visual training procedures or who employs or prescribes
	253	+	lenses, prisms, filters, ophthalmic instruments, or combinations thereof, held either in
	254	+	contact with the eye, or in frames or mounting, to aid, relieve, or correct any visual or
	255	+	ocular anomaly, or holds out as being able to do so, is deemed to be engaged in the
	256	+	practice of optometry.
	257	+	2.Before any optometrist may prescribe and administer pharmaceutical agents in the
	258	+	treatment and management of ocular diseases, the optometrist must first be certified
	259	+	or qualify for certification in the use of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents. For additional
	260	+	certification to prescribe and administer pharmaceutical agents in the treatment and
	261	+	management of ocular disease, the board shall require at least seventy-six hours of
	262	+	didactic instruction and twenty-four hours of clinical application of pharmaceutical
	263	+	agents for the treatment and management of ocular diseases. The course for
	264	+	therapeutic certification must be provided by an institution accredited by a regional or
	265	+	professional accrediting organization that is recognized and approved by the United
	266	+	States department of education or the council on postsecondary accreditation.
	267	+	3.An optometrist may not dispense therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, except an
	268	+	optometrist may:
122	269		a.Provide a patient a drug sample at no cost to the patient; or
123		-	b.Sell contact lenses or ophthalmic devices that are classified by the federal food and drug
124		-	administration as a drug.
125		-	4.3.The board shall provide the board of pharmacy upon request a list of licensed optometrists
126		-	certified in the use of pharmaceutical agents.An optometric telemedicine provider-patient
127		-	relationship is established when a patient seeks optometric services from a provider, and the
128		-	provider agrees to provide optometric services to the patient, except in an emergency. The
129		-	provider-patient relationship may be expressly created or created through implication;
130		-	however, the provider-patient relationship is not created through receipt of patient health
131		-	information by the provider unless a prior provider-patient relationship exists. The initial patient
132		-	relationship must be established through an eye examination conducted by a licensed
133		-	optometrist with a physical location in this state.
134		-	4.A licensed optometrist may act as a distant site provider and use telemedicine to provide care
135		-	in accordance with standards of practice established by the board by rule. Telemedicine
136		-	services may include consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for ocular diseases, provided that
137		-	the optometrist complies with the regulations under this section. Before providing any
138		-	optometric services to a patient via telemedicine, the provider first shall provide appropriate
139		-	verification of the provider's identification, licensure, and current contact information.
140		-	5.Informed consent regarding the optometric services to be provided via telemedicine must
141		-	include, at a minimum, information regarding the provider's technology used to provide
142		-	optometric services via telemedicine and how to mitigate or resolve any technological
143		-	disconnection or issue.
144		-	SECTION 8. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-13.3 of the North Dakota Century Code is amended and
145		-	reenacted as follows:
	270	+	b.Sell contact lenses or ophthalmic devices that are classified by the federal food
	271	+	and drug administration as a drug.
	272	+	4.3.The board shall provide the board of pharmacy upon request a list of licensed
	273	+	optometrists certified in the use of pharmaceutical agents.An optometric telemedicine
	274	+	provider-patient relationship is established when a patient seeks optometric services
	275	+	from a provider, and the provider agrees to provide optometric services to the patient,
	276	+	except in an emergency. The provider-patient relationship may be expressly created or
	277	+	created through implication; however, the provider-patient relationship is not created
	278	+	through receipt of patient health information by the provider unless a prior provider-
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	312	+	patient relationship exists. The initial patient relationship must be established through
	313	+	an eye examination conducted by a licensed optometrist with a physical location in this
	314	+	state.
	315	+	4.A licensed optometrist may act as a distant site provider and use telemedicine to
	316	+	provide care in accordance with standards of practice established by the board by
	317	+	rule . Telemedicine services may include consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for
	318	+	ocular diseases, provided that the optometrist complies with the regulations under this
	319	+	section. Before providing any optometric services to a patient via telemedicine, the
	320	+	provider first shall provide appropriate verification of the provider's identification,
	321	+	licensure, and current contact information.
	322	+	5.Informed consent regarding the optometric services to be provided via telemedicine
	323	+	must include, at a minimum, information regarding the provider's technology used to
	324	+	provide optometric services via telemedicine and how to mitigate or resolve any
	325	+	technological disconnection or issue.
	326	+	SECTION 8. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-13.3 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	327	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
146	328		43-13-13.3. Standard of care - When consultation with physician required.
147		-	1.An optometrist certified by the board in the use of pharmaceutical agents as provided in ~~this~~
148		-	chapter must be held to the same standard of care in the use of such agents as are ~~physicians licensed~~
149		-	by the North Dakota board of medicine.
150		-	2.Any optometrist authorized by the board to use pharmaceutical agents shall consult ~~with a~~
151		-	physician duly licensed to practice medicine when any diseased or pathological ~~conditions of~~
152		-	the eye do not respond to treatment. The consultation must be ~~documented in the patient's~~
153		-	record.
154		-	SECTION 9. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-15 of the North Dakota Century Code is ~~amended and~~
155		-	reenacted as follows:
	329	+	1.An optometrist certified by the board in the use of pharmaceutical agents as provided in
	330	+	this chapter must be held to the same standard of care in the use of such agents as are
	331	+	physicians licensed by the North Dakota board of medicine.
	332	+	2.Any optometrist authorized by the board to use pharmaceutical agents shall consult
	333	+	with a physician duly licensed to practice medicine when any diseased or pathological
	334	+	conditions of the eye do not respond to treatment. The consultation must be
	335	+	documented in the patient's record.
	336	+	SECTION 9. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-15 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	337	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
156	338		43-13-15. Unlawful to practice without license - Sale of glasses - Regulations.
157	339		No
158		-	1.A person may not practice optometry in this state unless the person first obtains a license and
159		-	complies with the requirements of this chapter. Eyeglasses, spectacles, and lenses may be
160		-	vended as merchandise only:
	340	+	1.A person may not practice optometry in this state unless the person first obtains a
	341	+	license and complies with the requirements of this chapter. Eyeglasses, spectacles,
	342	+	and lenses may be vended as merchandise only:
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161	376		1.To dealers.
162	377		2.From permanently located and established places of business in this state.
163		-	Any licensed optometrist, however, may fit and vend eyeglasses, spectacles, and lenses at any ~~place in~~
164		-	this state. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is unlawful for any ~~person, or any~~
165		-	entity other than a licensed optometrist or a licensed physician to ~~dispense, fit, or prescribe to H. B. NO. 1267 - PAGE 5~~
166		-	the public contact lenses, or any medical appliance ~~having direct contact with the cornea of~~
167		-	the eye.
168		-	SECTION 10. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-16 of the North Dakota Century Code is ~~amended and~~
169		-	reenacted as follows:
	378	+	Any licensed optometrist, however, may fit and vend eyeglasses, spectacles, and lenses at any
	379	+	place in this state. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is unlawful for any
	380	+	person, or any entity other than a licensed optometrist or a licensed physician to
	381	+	dispense, fit, or prescribe to the public contact lenses, or any medical appliance
	382	+	having direct contact with the cornea of the eye.
	383	+	SECTION 10. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-16 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	384	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
170	385		43-13-16. Examination required - When given.
171		-	Before any person is granted a license to practice optometry in this state, the person must ~~pass an~~
172		-	examination required by the board by rule. The examination may be conducted at such ~~times and~~
173		-	places as are prescribed by the board.
174		-	SECTION 11. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-17 of the North Dakota Century Code is ~~amended and~~
175		-	reenacted as follows:
	386	+	Before any person is granted a license to practice optometry in this state, the person must
	387	+	pass an examination required by the board by rule. The examination may be conducted at such
	388	+	times and places as are prescribed by the board.
	389	+	SECTION 11. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-17 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	390	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
176	391		43-13-17. Application for licensure - Contents - Educational requirements - Fee.
177		-	1.Any person desiring to take the examination for or to secure a license to practice ~~optometry in~~
178		-	this state shall file with the secretaryexecutive director of the board a ~~writtenan application in~~
179		-	the form prescribed by the board. An application for admission ~~by examination must be filed at~~
180		-	least fifteen days before the date of the examination. ~~The applicant also shall furnish~~
181		-	satisfactory proof that the applicant:
	392	+	1.Any person desiring to take the examination for or to secure a license to practice
	393	+	optometry in this state shall file with the secretaryexecutive director of the board a
	394	+	writtenan application in the form prescribed by the board. An application for admission
	395	+	by examination must be filed at least fifteen days before the date of the examination.
	396	+	The applicant also shall furnish satisfactory proof that the applicant:
182	397		1.a.Is at least eighteen years of age;
183	398		2.b.Is a person of good moral character; and
184		-	3.c.Is a graduate of an optometry school or college accredited by the council on ~~optometric~~
185		-	education.
	399	+	3.c.Is a graduate of an optometry school or college accredited by the council on
	400	+	optometric education.
186	401		2.The applicant shall pay to the secretaryexecutive director of the board a registrationan
187	402		application fee of a reasonable sum fixed by the board by rule.
188		-	SECTION 12. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-19 of the North Dakota Century Code is amended and
189		-	reenacted as follows:
	403	+	SECTION 12. AMENDMENT. Section 43-13-19 of the North Dakota Century Code is
	404	+	amended and reenacted as follows:
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190	436		43-13-19. License - When issued - Fee.
191		-	Every applicant for a license to practice optometry in this state who meets the standards required
192		-	for licensure, including successfully passing the required examination, must be licensed upon payment
193		-	to the secretaryexecutive director of the board of a reasonable sum fixed by the board. H. B. NO. 1267 - PAGE 6
194		-	____________________________ ____________________________
195		-	Speaker of the House President of the Senate
196		-	____________________________ ____________________________
197		-	Chief Clerk of the House Secretary of the Senate
198		-	This certifies that the within bill originated in the House of Representatives of the Sixty-ninth Legislative
199		-	Assembly of North Dakota and is known on the records of that body as House Bill No. 1267.
200		-	House Vote: Yeas 81 Nays 2 Absent 11
201		-	Senate Vote:Yeas 47 Nays 0 Absent 0
202		-	____________________________
203		-	Chief Clerk of the House
204		-	Received by the Governor at ________M. on _____________________________________, 2025.
205		-	Approved at ________M. on __________________________________________________, 2025.
206		-	____________________________
207		-	Governor
208		-	Filed in this office this ___________day of _______________________________________, 2025,
209		-	at ________ o’clock ________M.
210		-	____________________________
211		-	Secretary of State
	437	+	Every applicant for a license to practice optometry in this state who meets the standards
	438	+	required for licensure, including successfully passing the required examination, must be
	439	+	licensed upon payment to the secretaryexecutive director of the board of a reasonable sum
	440	+	fixed by the board.
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