S.B. 139: COMMITTEE SUMMARY - ANTIGLAUCOMA DRUGS

Senate Bill 139 (as introduced 2-6-97)

Sponsor: Senator Joanne G. Emmons

Committee: Health Policy and Senior Citizens

Date Completed: 9-25-97

CONTENT

The bill would amend Part 174 of the Public Health Code, which governs the practice of optometry, to allow an optometrist to use a topically administered antiglaucoma drug.

Currently, under Part 174, an optometrist may administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents in the course of his or her practice, if he or she has fulfilled certain requirements specified in Part 174 and been certified by the Board of Optometry as qualified to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. "Therapeutic pharmaceutical agent" means a topically administered prescription drug or other topically administered drug used to treat a defect or abnormal condition, or the effects of a defect or abnormal condition, of the anterior segment of the human eye. The bill provides that a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent also would include a topically administered antiglaucoma drug.

MCL 333.17401 - Legislative Analyst: G. Towne

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

- Fiscal Analyst: M. Tyszkiewicz

S9798\S139SA

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.