Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians intends to consider amending 18VAC80-30, Opticians Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to amend the regulation to adjust its licensing fee structure. Pursuant to § 54.1-113 of the Code of Virginia, the board must establish fees adequate to support the costs of the board operations and a proportionate share of Department for Professional and Occupational Regulation operations. At the close of the 2022-2024 biennium, the board will be operating at a loss. By the close of the next biennium (2024-2026), fees will not provide adequate revenue for those costs, therefore a fee adjustment is necessary.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: November 8, 2023.

Agency Contact: Kelley Smith, Executive Director, Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8590, FAX (866) 245-9693, or email hasopt@dpor.virginia.gov.