58-16a-601 - Scope of practice.
58-16a-601. Scope of practice.
(1) An optometrist may:
(a) provide any optometric services not specifically prohibited under this chapter ordivision rules and that are within the optometrist's training, skills, and scope of competence; and
(b) prescribe or administer any pharmaceutical agent for the eye and its adnexa, includingall oral pharmaceutical agents, except that:
(i) the oral antibiotics may only be prescribed for:
(A) eyelid-related ocular conditions or diseases; and
(B) any other ocular disease or condition as specified by division rule; and
(ii) Schedule III controlled substances may only be prescribed or administered to be takenorally or topically for pain of the eye or adnexa in a quantity not to exceed 72 hours in durationand which may not be refilled.
(2) An optometrist may not:
(a) perform surgery, including laser surgery; or
(b) prescribe or administer any Schedule II controlled substance as defined in Title 58,Chapter 37, Controlled Substances.
(3) An optometrist is a health care provider for purposes of Sections 31A-22-617 and31A-22-618.
Amended by Chapter 160, 2000 General Session