Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Optometry intends to consider amending 18VAC105-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Optometry. The purpose of the proposed action is to address the opioid abuse crisis in Virginia by adopting regulations for optometrists prescribing controlled substances containing opioids. The regulations for the management of acute pain include requirements for (i) prescribing a dosage not to exceed seven days, (ii) evaluation of the patient, and (iii) limitations on quantity. Requirements for prescribing an opioid beyond seven days include a reevaluation of the patient, check of the Prescription Monitoring Program, and specific information in the patient record. In addition, if a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent-certified optometrist finds an opioid prescription for chronic pain is necessary, he must refer the patient to a physician or comply with Board of Medicine regulation for managing chronic pain.

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

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: December 13, 2017.

Agency Contact: Leslie L. Knachel, Executive Director, Board of Optometry, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4508, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov.