Description
This filing amends Alaska Administrative Code 12 AAC 48.330 to implement House Bill 309, allowing licensed optometrists to delegate routine optometric services to trained non‑licensed agents under strict supervision and training requirements. The regulation defines “routine service of optometry,” lists prohibited delegations (e.g., pain management, complex medical judgment, medication management), and sets conditions for supervision, training, and patient safety. It becomes effective 30 days after filing, on November 26, 2026, and does not require additional state appropriations. • Optometrists may delegate only routine, low‑risk services that are frequent, standardized, and have predictable outcomes. • Delegated agents must receive appropriate training and work under direct supervision of the optometrist. • Prohibited delegations include any service requiring professional medical judgment, pain management, prescription transmission without documentation, and injectable medication administration. • The regulation is a permanent amendment to the Board of Examiners in Optometry’s rules and will affect all optometry practices statewide.