Title of Regulation: 18VAC105-20. Regulations Governing the Practice of Optometry (amending 18VAC105-20-5, 18VAC105-20-70; adding 18VAC105-20-48, 18VAC105-20-49).

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

Expiration Date Extended Through: October 28, 2019.

The Governor approved the request of the Board of Optometry to extend the expiration date of the emergency regulation for six months as provided by § 2.2-4011 D of the Code of Virginia. Therefore, the emergency regulation will continue in effect through October 28, 2019. The emergency regulation relates to the prescribing of opioids. The replacement regulation is at the proposed stage, with a comment period that ended on April 6, 2019. A final regulation still has to be adopted. The emergency regulation was published in 34:6 VA.R. 633-635 November 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.