All Roll Calls
Yes: 128 • No: 2
North DakotaHB 12672025 Regular SessionHouse
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)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Optometrists gain authority with less oversight
North Dakota optometrists can diagnose and treat more eye conditions using approved methods, devices, and medicines. The law removes listed certification and therapeutic-course requirements for prescribing and giving medicines for eye diseases. It also removes required physician consultation when eye conditions do not respond to treatment, along with related documentation. This gives optometrists more freedom but removes a statutory patient safeguard. Laser therapy and invasive eye surgery remain prohibited, except for superficial foreign body removal and specified primary care procedures.
Easier entry into optometry practice
Eligible graduates can use the supervised-practice exemption for six months after graduation, up from three months. It covers people enrolled in an Accreditation Council on Optometric Education-accredited school or within that graduation window. They must work under a licensed optometrist's immediate and direct supervision. Exam applicants no longer face the statutory requirement to apply at least 15 days before the exam. This provision sets no replacement deadline.
Broader sales options for glasses and contacts
The law removes limits allowing merchandise sales of glasses and lenses only to dealers from established North Dakota business locations. It also removes this section's ban on other people and businesses fitting or dispensing contact lenses and corneal-contact medical appliances. Prescribing those products remains limited to licensed optometrists or physicians. These changes broaden sales options but do not set prices.
Board sets optometry licensing fees
The State Board of Optometry must set licensing and service fees by rule. These cover applications, licenses, renewals, late filings, endorsements, license verification, decorative wall certificates, and continuing education. The application fee must be reasonable. The law does not specify fee amounts or establish that existing fees increase.
Remote eye care requires in-person start
Optometrists with active North Dakota licenses can provide remote consultations, diagnoses, and treatment under Board of Optometry rules. The initial patient relationship requires an in-person eye exam by a licensed optometrist with a physical North Dakota location. Receiving health information alone does not create that relationship without a prior relationship. Before remote care, the provider's identity, license, and current contact information must be verified. Providers must get informed consent explaining the technology and how disconnections or other technical problems will be handled.
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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