Idaho State Board of Optometry
Bureau of Occupational Licenses
1109 Main Street, Suite 220
Boise, Idaho 83702-5642
(208) 334-3233
Minutes of November 17, 2006
CONFERENCE CALL
ROLL CALL: John Rietz, Board Member, Board Chair
Michael Flandro, Board Member
Donald James, Board Member
Jack Zarybnisky, Board Member
BUREAU STAFF: Rayola Jacobsen, Bureau Chief
Bill Schaefer, Deputy Bureau Chief
Roger Hales, Administrative Attorney
Carrie Gilstrap, Secretary
ALSO PRESENT: Rodney White, Association Member
Rob Sorenson, Member of the Public
Larry Benton
Larry Downer
The conference call meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m.
OCTOBER 6, 2006 MEETING MINUTES
Dr. John Rietz requested holding review of the minutes until the next scheduled meeting.
BOARD CONTRACT
Ms. Jacobsen presented the board contract. Discussion was held regarding the increase in the annual budget as compared to last year.
A motion was made by Dr. Tiller to approve the Contract and authorize the Board Chair to sign the contract on behalf of the board. Seconded by Dr. Flandro, motion carried.
DUAL LICENSURE
Dr. Rietz requests this be added as an agenda item for the next scheduled meeting. He noted there are a minimal number of current licensees who are without dual licensure and are still in practice. The board members stated Sherry Cooper from the Idaho Optometric Association has legal documentation in regards to dual licensure as well as other relevant information regarding this topic.
DISCUSSION REGARDING SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING
Ms. Jacobsen stated there have been reports to the Bureau regarding concern over the proposed legislation including the use of therapeutic lasers.
Larry Downer stated he supports the sub-committee meeting to discuss and resolve the issue. Mr. Downer feels that if it is okay within the law then they should stand firm in support.
Rob Sorenson stated he agrees with Mr. Downer. He added the timing isn’t right and it is important to get the legislation off the table now and also the board should not be willing to give up on any of the CPT codes.
Larry Downer agrees with the legislation, but feels it would be better to wait.
Jerry, a public member, agrees with Rob and Larry, stating it is important to watch the definition of codes.
Larry Benton stated he has concerns about opening up the optometry law at this time.
The Conference Call participants exited the call to allow the Board to move into executive session.
Roll call re-established attendance. A motion was made by Dr. James to go into executive session to discuss potential litigation. Seconded by Dr. Tiller, motion carried.
A motion was made by Dr. Flandro to come out of executive session. Seconded by Dr. Tiller, motion carried.
A motion was made by Dr. Zarybnisky to form a sub-committee and for the sub-committee to meet on December 8th, 2006 with the Board of Medicine working group, Seconded by Dr. James, motion carried.
The board discussed having both Dr. Rietz and Dr. Tiller serve as members of the sub-committee.
The board stated they would like to have a licensed Ophthalmologist attend the meeting to have a person who is familiar with the CPT codes and the definitions. The board discussed individuals of interest which the members would be in contact with.
Dr. Tiller was asked to follow up with letters from other educational institutions. Dr. Flandro stated he would follow up an Ophthalmologist and Dr. James to communicate with licensed Optometrists.
Ms. Jacobsen stated she would follow up with the scheduling of the sub-committee meeting and will assist in establishing who the attendees will be from the Idaho State Board of Medicine.
A motion was made by Dr. Tiller stating the board members have taken into consideration the opinions of the association and members of the public regarding the proposed legislation. Seconded by Dr. Zarybnisky, motion carried.
A motion was made by Dr. Flandro to adjourn the meeting at 3:15pm. Seconded by Dr. Zarybnisky, motion carried.