Bills › 90th General Assembly
Relating to the administration of injections by licensed optometrists
Sponsored by the House State Government (companion To Sf 194 By Committee on State Government) Committee
Topics:State government
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 10, 2023
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 7, 2023
- Done: House committeeFebruary 2, 2023
- Done: Passes the HouseMarch 7, 202390–8
- Done: Senate committeeMarch 30, 2023
- Done: Passes the SenateApril 17, 202348–2
- Done: To the GovernorApril 28, 2023
- Done: Signed into lawApril 28, 2023
Signed into law What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Licensed optometrists would be allowed to give local numbing medicine before performing certain minor surgeries. Under the current rules, these doctors have to get special permission from the board of optometry before they can give these injections.1
Read the official explanation
This bill allows a licensed optometrist to administer a local anesthetic prior to a minor surgical procedure authorized by law. Current law requires a licensed optometrist to receive approval from the board of optometry prior to administering certain injections.
Fiscal note
Cost: up to $357,000 Compare with other bills
AI summary This bill allows optometrists to administer injectable anesthetics before performing other authorized injections. The increased use of these anesthetics is estimated to increase total costs by $357,000 for both fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025. The state's share of these costs paid from Medicaid would be $129,000 for fiscal year 2024 and $128,000 for fiscal year 2025.3
Read the fiscal note
Description
House File 347 expands optometrists’ scope of practice as defined in Iowa Code section 154.1 to include the administration of injectable anesthetics prior to the administration of other injections authorized in Iowa Code section 154.1(3)(b)(1).
Background
There are approximately 1,400 licensed optometrists in the State of Iowa. 2020 Iowa Acts, chapter 1109, expanded the scope of practice of optometrists to include the administration of injections for the following purposes:
- Subconjunctival injections for the medical treatment of the eye.
- Intralesional injections for the treatment of chalazia.
- Botulinum toxin to the muscles of facial expression innervated by the facial nerve.
- Injections to counteract an anaphylactic reaction.
The fiscal year (FY) 2023 General Fund appropriation for medical assistance was $1,510.1 million. According to the December 2022 Medicaid Forecast, the Medicaid surplus going into FY 2023 is projected to be approximately $373.6 million.
Assumptions
- The Department of Health and Human Services estimates a 50.0% increase in provider reimbursement costs for this procedure due to increased utilization.
- Increased costs could be absorbed within current Medicaid program funding.
Fiscal Impact
The 50.0% increase in utilization for the administration of injectable anesthetics would increase costs by $357,000 for both FY 2024 and FY 2025. The State share of these costs paid from Medicaid would be $129,000 for FY 2024 and $128,000 for FY 2025.
Sources
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Iowa Board of Optometry
- Legislative Services Agency
The estimate held steady
4- Final Fiscal Note — Licensed Optometrists, Injections · May 10, 2023 · $357,000
- Licensed Optometrists, Injections · February 27, 2023 · $357,000
- Licensed Optometrists, Injections · February 9, 2023 · $357,000