August 2006 Annapolis Update

AMA-Backed Scope of Practice Bill Introduced by Congressman

U.S. Congressman John Sullivan (R-OK), a consistent opponent of the concerns of optometrists and their patients, has introduced and is attempting to build support for legislation apparently backed by organized medicine aimed at usurping states’ licensing and policing authority for doctoral health care providers. A draft of the bill, introduced as HR 5688, the “Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2006,” was exposed on Capitol Hill by the AOA as an apparent component of the American Medical Association’s nationwide “scope of practice study” and “Scope of Practice Partnership” designed to provide backing to AMA federation members who have scope of practice battles.

“There he goes again,” said Michele Haranin, O.D., AOA Federal Relations Committee Chair. “When considering this flawed and misguided legislation, we should remember that Congress rejected Rep. Sullivan’s 2003 bill aimed at restricting the scope of practice of the hundreds of dedicated optometrists providing outstanding care to our veterans in the VA health care system. Although it’s disappointing to see any elected official put special interests ahead of patients, optometry is ready once again to respond and ensure that Congress has all the facts.”

The premise of HR 5688 is expressed in its “findings” that suggest the American public is confused about practice authority of health care practitioners – except for physicians and dentists. The findings also declare that there is ample evidence that non-physician provider groups are touting their practice authority inappropriately, thus further confusing the public. The bill would bring in the Federal Trade Commission to investigate conduct of doctoral providers and enforce violations found under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Reps. Gene Green (D-TX), Charles Bass (R-NH), Michael Burgess, MD (R-TX), John Schwartz, MD (R-MI) and Pete Sessions (R-TX) have joined with Sullivan as original co-sponsors of HR 5688.

Since uncovering plans for this bill to be introduced, the AOA – both individually and as a leader of a coalition of doctoral providers — has been urging Members of Congress to oppose it and to again reject organized medicine’s efforts to misinform patients, malign the integrity of optometrists and other doctoral providers, and undermine the authority of the states to license health care providers.

Dr. Haranin and the AOA Washington Office both confirmed that the AOA will continue to lead the effort to educate Members of Congress about this misguided effort to turn back the clock on patient safety and access to quality health care.