New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has vetoed House Bill 349, legislation that would have authorized certified optometrists in the state to perform certain ophthalmic laser procedures. The bill had passed the legislature before being vetoed on March 27, with the veto recorded March 30.
According to the enrolled version of the bill, HB 349 would have allowed optometrists certified by the state board to perform three procedures: laser capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty and laser peripheral iridotomy. The measure also set certification conditions tied to education, training, supervised live experience and patient informed consent.
The bill specified that applicants would need to complete a board-approved laser course and demonstrate clinical proficiency under direct supervision. It also required evidence of at least five proctored laser capsulotomy procedures, five laser trabeculoplasty procedures and four laser peripheral iridotomy procedures.
In her veto statement, Ayotte said patients should “receive care delivered by medical professionals trained to perform the full range of procedures that may be required for serious surgeries.” She also said laser eye surgeries are “not minor procedures” and warned that complications can lead to permanent vision loss.
The measure also drew opposition from organized medicine. In an advocacy update published April 3, the American Medical Association said it supported the veto and argued that eye surgery should remain with physicians who have extensive clinical and surgical training.
Had HB 349 become law, New Hampshire would have joined a growing number of states that allow optometrists to perform some laser procedures. Industry coverage of the veto noted that the bill was being closely watched as part of the broader scope-of-practice debate in U.S. optometry.
Sources:
New Hampshire HB 349 bill text and status
Governor Kelly Ayotte statement
AMA advocacy update
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