Three months after notifying the vision community of their plans to fight legislation that seeks to potentially ban optometrists from referring to themselves as physicians, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has issued an updated statement regarding the Florida Senate’s proposed bill.
Refresh me on this Florida bill first.
Senate Bill 230, filed in the Florida Senate in February, refers to the usage of health care practitioners’ (HCPs) titles and abbreviations in advertisements, communications, and personal identification. The bill requires for HCPs to disclose the type of license under which an individual practitioner is authorized to provide services along with their title and abbreviations specified by the bill when treating patients.
Further, it lays the groundwork for disciplinary action and license denials by a practitioner's regulatory board.
Click here for some background on optometry legislation and here for details on other state legislation.
And the concern?
The AOA states that while the bill does not refer to optometry specifically, “the proposed ban on the use of the term ‘physician’ in any capacity potentially conflicts with the recognition of physician status for optometrists under federal law utilized by Medicare.”
Further, the AOA argues that the title restrictions could set a precedent that might be used against doctors of optometry in regards to their qualifications (and access) to provide patient care, particularly for those specializing in certain areas within the field.
What’s the legislation update?
Earlier this month, the Florida House amended SB 230 to include a section allowing optometrists to use physician as a title.
Despite passing in the House, the Senate rejected the amendment; on the second round of voting, the House voted to pass SB 230—sans the amendment.
And the AOA’s response?
The AOA issued a statement indicating it will continue to “vigorously” oppose any attempt to prevent Florida optometrists from legal practicing “at the highest levels allowed by state and federal law, including their ability to effectively communicate with their patients by introducing unnecessary confusion.”
The organization further stated that such legislation undermines the doctor-patient relationship and, as a result, would put patient outcomes in jeopardy.
Have they addressed next steps if the bill is passed?
Yup. The AOA stated that, if necessary, the organization is prepared to take steps against any effort to discriminate against the optometry profession or infringe on its essential and expanding role in the Florida healthcare system—including legal action.
When might it take effect?
If signed and approved by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the bill would be effective July 1, 2023.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, materials available herein are for general information purposes only.