Senate committee substitute makes the following changes to 1st edition.
Enacts new subsections (b1), (b2), (b3), and (b4) to proposed GS 90-121.5 to require the NC State Board of Examiners in Optometry (Board) to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that a licensee has violated a statute or rule, when the Board receives a complaint about a licensee’s care of a patient. Sets out the procedure for making the determination, and details additional complaint guidelines. Authorizes the Board to report information indicating that a crime may have been committed to the appropriate law enforcement or district attorney. Directs the Board to cooperate with a law enforcement agency or district attorney conducting an investigation, and specifies that disclosed information remains confidential. Requires all licensees to self-report to the Board within 30 days of arrest or indictment for any felony, any arrest for driving while impaired or under the influence, or any arrest or indictment for the possession, use, or sale of any controlled substance.
Enacts new GS 90-121.6, requiring all optometrists licensed or applying for licensure to report three specified items related to judgments, awards, and settlements to the Board. Provides additional reporting specifics, and directs the Board to publish information collected under the statute on the Board’s website or other publication for seven years from the date of the judgment, award, payment, or settlement. Defines settlement in the statute, and specifies that nothing limits the Board from collecting information to administer Article 6 of GS Chapter 90. Makes a clarifying change, and makes conforming changes to the bill title.