By: VanDeaver H.B. No. 3505
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authority of the Texas Optometry Board.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 351.151, Occupations Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) The board may provide an interpretation of a provision
of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, including by
issuing an advisory opinion or declaratory ruling.
SECTION 2. Subchapter D, Chapter 351, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 351.170 to read as follows:
Sec. 351.170. SOLE AUTHORITY OVER PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY.
The board has sole authority to regulate optometrists and
therapeutic optometrists and to determine the scope of practice of
an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist.
SECTION 3. Not later than December 1, 2019, the Texas
Optometry Board shall adopt rules necessary to implement the
changes in law made by this Act to Chapter 351, Occupations Code.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.