Chapter 181

2011 -- H 5385

Enacted 07/01/11

A N A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- OPTOMETRISTS

Introduced By: Representative John M. Carnevale

Date Introduced: February 16, 2011

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Chapter 5-35.1 of the General Laws entitled "Optometrists" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

5-35.1-11.1. Subcontracted optometry network. -- An insurer, including a company

offering accident and sickness insurance as defined in chapter 27-18, a nonprofit hospital service

corporation as defined in chapter 27-19, a nonprofit medical service corporation as defined in

chapter 27-20, or a health maintenance organization as defined in chapter 27-41, shall not require

that an optometrist participate in a subsidiary’s or a third-party’s vision care plan as a condition

for participation in the insurer’s participating provider panel.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

=======

LC00657

=======