Section 327:6-a Authorization for Pharmaceutical Agents.
I. Only licensed optometrists who have successfully completed examinations on pharmacological substances and other treatments of diseases of the eye, adnexa and eyelids, who have met acceptable standards of education and professional competence as determined by the board, and who hold current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), shall be authorized to use pharmaceutical agents in the practice of optometry.
II. An optometrist licensed to practice optometry prior to January 1, 1993, shall complete a post-graduate course of study approved by the board covering the subjects of ocular pharmacology and the treatment and management of eye diseases and shall pass an examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry or its successor and approved by the board. Every optometrist licensed to practice optometry after January 1, 1993, shall pass an examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry or its successor and approved by the board. To meet the requirements of this section, an approved course shall be given by an accredited school or college of optometry in the United States and shall consist of a minimum of 105 hours, of which a minimum of 25 hours shall be in direct clinical training. The board shall adopt rules, under RSA 541-A, to carry out the provisions of this section and to insure the safety of the public.
III. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any licensed pharmacist is authorized to fill prescriptions issued by optometrists for pharmaceutical agents authorized under this chapter or included in the approved formulary.
IV. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit an optometrist to administer any pharmaceutical product by intravenous injection; or to administer, prescribe or dispense any pharmaceutical product designated as a category I or II controlled substance defined by the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970, as amended; or to administer, prescribe or dispense any pharmaceutical product except for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or conditions of the human eye, adnexa or eyelids.
V. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an optometrist who is certified to use pharmaceutical agents in the practice of optometry shall be permitted to administer diphenhydramine, epinephrine or an equivalent medication to counter anaphylaxis or anaphylactic reaction.
VI. To the extent approval of pharmaceuticals is referenced in RSA 327:1, III, the board shall have the authority to review and approve topically applied pharmaceuticals and the joint pharmaceutical formulary and credentialing committee shall have the authority to review and approve orally administered pharmaceuticals.
VII. The board shall provide the pharmacy board with a current list of pharmaceutical agents approved pursuant to paragraph VI. The current optometric formulary shall be available from the board and posted on the board's website.
VIII. Upon certification to treat glaucoma patients pursuant to RSA 327:6-c, the board shall issue a license to the optometrist with a ""tpa/g'' certification. A current list of ""tpa/g'' certified optometrists with date of certification shall be available from the board and posted on the board's website.
Source. 1985, 245:2. 1993, 333:9. 1999, 197:6, eff. Jan. 1, 2000. 2006, 182:2, eff. July 24, 2006.