5/22/2012 11:56 am
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations 		VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
X
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: Board of Optometry
Regulatory Coordinator: Leslie L. Knachel

(804)367-4508

leslie.knachel@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Elaine J. Yeatts

Agency Regulatory Coordinator

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300

Richmond, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 105 - 20: Regulations of the Virginia Board of Optometry
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 32 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 02/13/2012
Petitioner Dilis Lee
 Petitioner's Request
To amend regulations for standards of practice relating to the requirement of an optometrist for a patient to sign a contract agreement without informed consent about the procedures and examinations to be performed.
 Agency Plan
  In accordance with Virginia law, the petition has been filed with the Register of Regulations and will be published on March 12, 2012. Comment on the petition may be sent by email, regular mail or posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov; comment will be requested until April 5, 2012.  Following receipt of all comments on the petition to amend regulations, the Board will decide whether to make any changes to the regulatory language. This matter will be on the Board's agenda for its next meeting scheduled for May 9, 2012.
Publication Date 03/12/2012  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 04/05/2012
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 05/22/2012
 Agency Decision Text
  At its meeting on May 9, 2012, the Board voted to deny the petition because the requirements for informed consent in current regulations are sufficient to protect patients. An adequate eye examination conducted by an optometrist would include an examination for any medical conditions that might exist.