COA Legislative Update

SB 622, Hernandez - Optometry scope of practice - SUPPORT

This COA-sponsored measure would expand the services that doctors of optometry can provide patients. By increasing the number of qualified, competent practitioners to provide these services, eye care will become increasingly more affordable and more widely available. This bill has passed the Senate and will be set for hearing in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee in June or July.

AB 595, Alejo – Corporate practice of optometry - OPPOSE

A recent court decision has called into question the legality of all retail optometry establishments in California. AB 595 was brought forward by several retail optometry companies to allow their business models to continue to exist. However, the measure allows manufacturers and sellers of eyeglasses to have too much control over the optometrist’s clinical judgment. This bill was defeated for this year. Not eligible for hearing until 2016.

AB 684, Alejo & Bonilla – Enforcement moratorium – OPPOSE UNLESS AMENDED

This bill would temporarily delay enforcement of Business and Professions Code Section 655 and 2556 that prohibit certain retail optical business models that currently do business in California until January 2017. COA seeks amendments that would prevent new companies from entering the state and makes the statute of limitations not apply during this period. This bill has been referred to Senate Business and Professions Committee. No hearing date has been set.

SB 402, Mitchell - Comprehensive eye exams for children - SUPPORT

The State Board of Optometry is sponsoring this bill to require all children to get a comprehensive eye exam before entering school and in grades 2, 5 and 8 thereafter. Children need to be able to see to learn and many vision problems are not detected during the current school vision screening system. This bill was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Not eligible for hearing until 2016.

SB 243, Hernandez, and AB 366, Bonta - Medi-Cal rate increase - SUPPORT

These measures would increase Medi-Cal reimbursement rates to health care providers, including doctors of optometry. California Medi-Cal rates were already among the lowest in the nation and more recent cuts further reduced access to health care for Medi-Cal enrollees. SB 243 was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee. AB 366 was gutted and amended to require a study on access to care for Medi-Cal enrollees and is expected to be heard on the Assembly floor this week.

AB 789, Calderon - Contact lens pricing - OPPOSE

This bill was sponsored by 1-800 Contacts to prohibit contact lens manufacturers from establishing a price floor that no seller can go below. COA opposes this bill because it’s bad for patients. Studies have shown that patients have less lens-related complications when they get contact lenses from their local optometrist vs an on-line merchant. This bill was defeated for this year. Not eligible for hearing until 2016.

AB 845, Cooley - Vision coverage through Covered California - SUPPORT

This bill is sponsored by Vision Service Plan (VSP) to authorize Covered California to establish a website to inform consumers about stand-alone vision coverage options. Covered California has received clarification that it can offer supplemental adult vision coverage through its website and the bill is no longer necessary. This bill was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.