Idaho State Board of Optometry
Bureau of Occupational Licenses
1109 Main Street, Suite 220
Boise, Idaho 83702-5642
(208) 334-3233

Minutes of July 7, 2006

ROLL CALL:                           Steven Snapp, Chair (absent)
                                                 John Rietz, Board Member
                                                 Daniel Tiller, Board Member
                                                 Michael Flandro, Board Member
                                                 Donald James, Board Member

      BUREAU STAFF:             Rayola Jacobsen, Bureau Chief
                                                Budd Hetrick, Deputy Bureau Chief
                                                Roger Hales, Administrative Attorney
                                                Larry Benton
                                                Carrie Gilstrap, Secretary 

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. 

Motion was made by Dr. Tiller to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2006 board meeting as written.   Seconded by Dr. Flandro, carried. 

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Ms. Jacobsen gave the legislative report which included the status on the proposed law and rule changes having been submitted to the Governor’s office with Legislative Services. Once these go through with approval, they will then be posted to the Bureau website.

PROPOSED LAW CHANGES

A motion was made by Dr. Flandro to strike the four (4) titles from 54.1501.02. Seconded by Dr. Tiller, motion carried.

LEVEL LICENSURE

A motion was made by Dr. Rietz to have the authority to prescribe in Idaho prior to licensure by January 1, 2010. Dr. James seconded, motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Budd Hetrick presented the financial report of both accounts. A summary of the Board’s expenses was also given.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

Budd Hetrick presented the investigative report. Mr. Hetrick explained that as of last week the unit is now back up to a full staff. This will help in processing some of the complaints still under investigation.

2006 ARBO MEETING

Dr. James presented to the members a review of the annual Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry meeting, in which he was in attendance. At the meeting they discussed the examination.  Because of the decrease in the number of applicants, the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) examination will begin phasing out next year. Also, exam scores for applicants are now available in electronic format for all states. C.O.P.E. has also asked for volunteers who may be available to assist in reviewing their courses.  

ENDORSEMENT

A motion was made by Dr. James to accept both the OE Tracker and the Council on Endorsed Licensure Mobility for Optometrists (CELMO) certificate as additional options in the consideration of applicants seeking licensure by endorsement. Dr. Tiller seconded, motion carried.

A motion was made by Dr. James to approve the use of the OE Tracker card for Idaho continuing education programs and to approve the OE Tracker’s printable verification from the ARBO website for proof of attendance. Dr. Tiller seconded, motion carried.

A motion was made by Dr. Tiller to accept all appropriate expenses for the 2006 ARBO meeting. Dr. Flandro seconded, motion carried.

A motion was made by Dr. Tiller to approve the annual fee be paid to the Idaho Optometric Association (IOA) for the 2006 membership. Dr. Flandro seconded, motion carried.

PROPOSED LAW CHANGES 54.1501.03

A motion was made by Dr. Tiller to define the scope of practice by adding auto refractors and to add additional language to give the Board the authority to discipline unlicensed entities. Seconded by Dr. Flandro, motion carried.

A motion was made by Dr. Tiller to have the Administrative Attorney draft the language for the proposed law changes. Seconded by Dr. Flandro, motion carried.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

Ms. Jacobsen presented OPT-L5B-4-2003-2 to the Board. A motion was made by Dr. James to accept the Bureau’s recommendation for closure. Seconded by Dr. Tiller, motion carried.

LETTER REGARDING FOREIGN –TRAINED LICENSURE

A motion was made by Dr. Tiller to have the secretary draft a letter informing the respondent of how foreign trained students do not meet the basic requirements for school accreditation. Seconded by Dr. James, motion carried.

Moved by Dr. Flandro to enter into executive session to discuss application files exempt from public disclosure. Seconded by Dr. James, carried.

Moved by Dr. Flandro to come out of executive session. Seconded by Dr. Tiller, carried.

APPLICATIONS

A motion was made by Dr. Flandro to deny OPTA-100116 after re-consideration of his application because, as per requirements, the applicant is not a graduate of an accredited college and has not taken the national board examination.

A motion was made by Dr. Tiller to accept OPTA-100114 for endorsement licensure. Dr. Flandro seconded, motion carried. 

A motion was made by Dr. James to accept OPTA-100100 for endorsement licensure. Dr. Tiller seconded, motion carried.

A motion was made by Dr. James to send two (2) board members to the Idaho Optometric Association (I.O.A.) convention. Dr. Flandro seconded, motion carried.

A motion was made by Dr. Tiller to send copies of the updated proposed law and rule changes to the members in September. Dr. Rietz seconded, motion carried.

The next board meeting was scheduled for October 6, 2006 at 8:30am.