All Roll Calls
Yes: 128 • No: 2
North DakotaHB 12672025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 43-13-01, 43-13-02, 43-13-05, 43-13-07, 43-13-08, 43-13-13, 43-13-13.2, 43-13-13.3, 43-13-15, 43-13-16, 43-13-17, and 43-13-19 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to optometrist licensure.
Sponsored By: Jonathan Warrey (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Only licensed pros may fit contacts
Only a licensed optometrist or licensed physician may dispense, fit, or prescribe contact lenses or any device that touches the cornea. Selling these devices to the public without those licenses is unlawful.
Pay and expenses for board members
Board members get a per diem for days they do board work, plus mileage and travel under state law. They may also get up to $5 per day for other needed expenses.
Board sets optometry license and renewal fees
The board sets fees by rule for applications, licenses, renewals, late payments, endorsements, licensure verification, decorative wall certificates, and continuing education. Applicants and licensees must pay the amounts the board sets.
Path to a North Dakota optometry license
To take the exam, you must apply at least 15 days before it, be 18, be of good moral character, and be a graduate of an optometry school accredited by the Council on Optometric Education. You must pay the board’s application fee. If you meet standards and pass, the board issues your license when you pay the board‑set fee. Student interns enrolled in an accredited program, or who graduated within six months, may practice under immediate and direct supervision and are exempt from the chapter.
Drug use rules for optometrists
To treat eye disease with drugs, an optometrist must be certified. Therapeutic certification requires at least 76 hours of classroom training and 24 hours of clinical training from an accredited program. Certified optometrists must meet the same standard of care as physicians and must consult a physician if disease does not respond to treatment, and record it. Optometrists may not dispense therapeutic medicines, except free samples and sales of contact lenses or FDA‑classified drug devices. The optometry board must give the pharmacy board a list of certified optometrists when asked.
New teleoptometry rules and safeguards
Licensed North Dakota optometrists may give eye care by telemedicine. They must hold an active North Dakota license and follow board practice standards. A new patient relationship must start with an in‑person eye exam by a North Dakota optometrist with a physical office here, unless it is an emergency. Before care, the provider must confirm their identity, license, and contact information, and get your informed consent that explains the technology and how to handle disconnections.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jonathan Warrey
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Scott Louser
Republican • House
Matthew Ruby
Republican • House
Daniel R. Vollmer
Republican • House
Jeff Barta
Republican • Senate
Kristin Roers
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/11/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
Yes: 47 • No: 0
House vote • 2/14/2025
Second reading, passed, yeas 81 nays 2
Yes: 81 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Filed with Secretary Of State 03/24
3/25/2025HouseSigned by Governor 03/21
3/24/2025HouseSent to Governor
3/20/2025HouseSigned by Speaker
3/20/2025HouseSigned by President
3/14/2025SenateReturned to House
3/12/2025HouseSecond reading, passed, yeas 47 nays 0
3/11/2025SenateReported back, do pass, place on calendar 5 0 0
3/7/2025SenateCommittee Hearing 01:00
3/6/2025SenateIntroduced, first reading, referred Workforce Development Committee
2/18/2025SenateReceived from House
2/17/2025SenateSecond reading, passed, yeas 81 nays 2
2/14/2025HouseAmendment adopted, placed on calendar
2/13/2025HouseReported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 12 0 2
2/12/2025HouseCommittee Hearing 02:30
2/3/2025HouseIntroduced, first reading, referred Industry, Business and Labor Committee
1/13/2025House
Bill Text
Adopted by the House Industry, Business and Labor Committee
Enrollment
FIRST ENGROSSMENT
INTRODUCED
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