HB 36 New Mexico House · 2025 Regular Session

BOARD OF OPTOMETRY POWERS AND DUTIES

This bill expands New Mexico optometrists' scope of practice to include specific minor in-office procedures, such as removing superficial eyelid lesions, treating corneal abrasions, and performing certain laser treatments for eye conditions. It also requires the Board of Optometry to establish certification standards for optometrists using prescription drugs or laser procedures, including developing qualifications and maintaining annual records of certified practitioners. The board gains new duties, such as administering these certifications, keeping detailed records of licensees, and setting requirements for advanced services. This directly affects optometrists (who gain expanded clinical authority), the Board (which gains administrative responsibilities), and patients (who may access more eye care services from optometrists).

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status vetoed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

House Passage

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

Vetoed

Apr 2025

Introduced Jan 3, 2025 Vetoed Apr 11, 2025

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What changed between versions

introduced version → Final Version · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill expands the scope of practice for optometrists in New Mexico by allowing them to perform certain minor surgical procedures and administer specific drugs for eye conditions. It also updates definitions related to optometry practice and strengthens the Board of Optometry's authority to regulate the profession.

Scope change

The bill significantly expands the scope of practice for optometrists by authorizing them to perform specific in-office surgical procedures and administer drugs for diagnosing and treating eye conditions that were previously restricted.

SCOPE

Optometrists can now perform non-laser removal of superficial eyelid lesions and conjunctival cysts, remove nonperforating foreign bodies from the eye, perform non-laser corneal debridement, remove eyelashes, and probe or irrigate tear drainage structures.

Optometrists are authorized to use lasers for specific procedures including lens capsule treatment for capsular clouding and laser treatment for glaucoma prevention or treatment.

ADDED

Optometrists can now administer drugs for diagnosing visual defects or abnormal conditions of the eye and its adnexa.

DEFINITION

Updated definitions to clarify what constitutes the practice of optometry, including new categories for surgical procedures and drug administration.

ENFORCEMENT

Enhanced powers for the Board of Optometry to administer oaths, take testimony, maintain examination records, and develop certification requirements for pharmaceutical agent use and laser procedures.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirements for the Board to develop and administer credentialing requirements for laser procedures and certification requirements for pharmaceutical agent use.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 21, 2025 · House Feb 22, 2025

How they voted

25–11

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 40

Mar 21, 2025

D Democratic24

15 Yea 8 Nay 1

62% Yea

R Republican16

10 Yea 3 Nay 3

62% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 11, 2025

Vetoed

executive

Mar 22, 2025

Upper · Passed

passed Senate

upper

Mar 21, 2025

Upper · Passed

DO PASS committee report adopted

upper

Mar 21, 2025

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (25-11-4)

senate

Mar 12, 2025

Upper · Passed

DO PASS committee report adopted

upper

Feb 22, 2025

Introduced

Sent to Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee & Senate Judiciary Committee

upper

Feb 22, 2025

Lower · Passed

passed House

lower

Feb 10, 2025

Lower · Passed

DO PASS committee report adopted

lower

Jan 30, 2025

Lower · Passed

DO PASS, as amended, committee report adopted

lower

Jan 22, 2025

Introduced

Sent to House Health & Human Services Committee & House Judiciary Committee

lower

Jan 3, 2025

Introduced

Sent to House Pre-file

lower

4 primary · 0 co-sponsors