It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 5-35-21.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-35 entitled "Optometrists" is hereby amended to read as follows:

{ADD 5-35-21.1. Freedom of choice for eye care. -- ADD} Any contract providing for health care benefits, which calls for the expenditure of private or public funds, for any purpose involving eye care, which is within the scope of practice of optometry, shall provide the recipients and/or beneficiaries the freedom to choose within the participating providing panel either an optometrist or physician to provide such eye care. This provision shall be applicable whether or not the contract is executed and/or delivered in or outside of the state, or for use within or outside of the state by or for any individuals who reside or are employed in the state.

{ADD Provided, however, where such contracts call for the expenditure of public funds, for any purpose involving eye expenditure of public funds, for any purpose involving eye care, there shall be no discrimination as to the rate of reimbursement for such health care whether provided by a doctor of optometry or physician providing like services. ADD}

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.