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The 2013 legislative session brought very important changes for the practice of optometry. On April 19, 2013, Governor Rick Scott signed HB-239 into law, which significantly increased the scope of practice in several aspects for certain certified optometrists. One of those changes affects an optometrist’s ability to own and operate a clinical laboratory.
Specifically, the law amended Section 483.035, F.S., to allow certified optometrists to own and operate a clinical laboratory by modifying the definition of “licensed practitioner,” to include practitioners licensed under Chapter 463, F.S. Additionally, Section 483.181, F.S., was amended to allow certified optometrists to order clinical laboratory testing.
