SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the California State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 761 with great bi-partisan support, 74 to 0. Assemblymember Roger Hernandez (D-San Gabriel Valley) authored AB 761, allowing doctors of optometry to administer simple tests that check patients for red eyes (RPS Adeno Detector) and dry eyes (TearLab), which are already within the scope of their practice. This legislation will now be referred to the Senate.

State law prohibits the performance of a clinical laboratory test classified as ‘waived’ under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act, unless the test is performed under the overall operation and administration of a laboratory director.  Due to this, optometrists may not perform tests that are classified as being so simple that they can be sold over the counter.  Instead, optometrists are required to order these diagnostic tests from a lab, which creates a delay in appropriate patient diagnosis, treatment, and care.

“This bill improves patient care and public health by permitting optometrists to perform simple diagnostic tests in their office, and therefore removing an unnecessary delay in care and treatment,” said Assemblymember Hernández.  “AB 761 allows us to prioritize the health and well-being of our patients.”

Assemblymember Hernández proudly serves the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, City of Industry, Covina, Irwindale, La Puente, West Covina and the unincorporated communities of: Avocado Heights, Bassett, Charter Oak, Citrus, East Arcadia, Hacienda Heights, North Whittier, Ramona, Valinda and Vincent.

Contact: Mary June Flores, 916-319-2057