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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
optometry board; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Arizona State Board of Optometry (Board) for six years.
Background
The Board is
the regulatory body that oversees the licensing and practice of optometry in
Arizona. The Board's duties include: 1) adopting rules to govern the practice
of optometry;
2) adopting criteria for approving continuing education programs for licensees;
and 3) reporting allegations of criminal wrongdoing to the appropriate criminal
justice agency (A.R.S.
§ 32-1704).
The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor, including: 1) five members licensed in the practice of optometry who have been engaged in active practice for the three years immediately before appointment; and 2) two public members who do not have a direct or indirect interest in the practice of optometry, opticianry or medicine. Before appointment, a prospective member of the Board must submit a full set of fingerprints to the Governor to obtain state and federal criminal records (A.R.S. § 32-1702).
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee of Reference (COR) held a public meeting on January 12, 2023, to review and evaluate the Board's response to the sunset review factors and receive public testimony. The COR recommended that the Board be continued for six years (COR Report). The Board terminates on July 1, 2023, unless continued by the Legislature (A.R.S. § 41-3023.08).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2023, the Board until July 1, 2029.
2. Repeals the Board on January 1, 2030.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
Prepared by Senate Research
March 23, 2023
MG/JM/slp