Updates scope of practice of optometrists.
This bill expands New Jersey optometrists' scope of practice to include administering vaccines for coronaviruses, influenza, and shingles (for patients 18+), prescribing certain medications (including controlled substances under specific conditions), and performing limited eye procedures like laser treatments and minor surgeries. It requires optometrists to follow CDC vaccine guidelines, report immunizations to the state system, and avoid invasive surgeries or general anesthesia. The changes clarify that optometrists must adhere to medical standards for pharmaceutical use and cannot perform procedures requiring full-thickness eye incisions or orbital surgery. This modernizes optometric care while maintaining safety boundaries for patient treatment.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
upper
1 primary · 9 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Shirley Turner
DDemocratic
Co
Benjie Wimberly
DDemocratic
Co
Britnee Timberlake
DDemocratic
Co
Doug Steinhardt
RRepublican
Co
Jim Holzapfel
RRepublican
Co
Joe Cryan
DDemocratic
Co
Nilsa Cruz-Perez
DDemocratic
Co
Parker Space
RRepublican
Co
Renee Burgess
DDemocratic
Co
Troy Singleton
DDemocratic
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