MarylandHB 03802026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

State Board of Examiners in Optometry - Examination Requirements and Time Period for Inactive Status

Sponsored By: Steve Johnson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health OccupationsApplicants and ApplicationsCommittees and CommissionsHealth Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations)Licenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsOptometrists, Ophthalmologists, and OpticiansTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Faster licenses for experienced or out-of-state optometrists

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Board may waive Maryland exams for applicants licensed in another state. You must pay the application fee, show three years of continuing education (or Maryland’s equivalent), provide a certified copy of your license, and not have failed a Board-required exam in the last five years. The Board may also waive exams for those who actively practiced for three years, or who spent those years teaching, serving as a uniformed services optometrist, supervising or in administration, or doing optometry research. Within one year of your application, the Board can still require you to pass an exam and sets the passing score.

Limits and paths for inactive optometry licenses

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Board places you on inactive status if you file the Board’s form and pay the inactive fee. You cannot stay inactive for more than six straight years. To reactivate from inactive, you must meet Board continuing education and pay the reinstatement fee. If your license expired less than five years and you were not inactive, the Board may reinstate it if you meet continuing education, meet renewal rules, and pay the reinstatement fee. If your license expired five or more years and you were not inactive, you must pass every section of each part of the exam and meet other requirements before reinstatement.

Stricter optometry exams, easier retakes

Beginning July 1, 2026, applicants must pass every section of each part of the optometry exam. The State Board sets the exam subjects, form, and passing scores. Required topics include eye anatomy, physiology, pathology, and exam instruments. If you fail, you can take the next regularly scheduled exam. The old statutory fee for each reexamination is removed. The Board may still set other fees under its general authority.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steve Johnson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 182 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/26/2026