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AB-2848 Optometrists: retired licenses.(2007-2008)



Current Version: 06/24/08 - Amended Senate

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AB2848:v97#DOCUMENT

Amended  IN  Senate  June 24, 2008
Amended  IN  Assembly  April 21, 2008

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2007–2008 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill
No. 2848

Introduced  by  Assembly Member Hernandez

February 22, 2008

An act to add Section 3151 to the Business and Professions Code, relating to optometrists.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


AB 2848, as amended, Hernandez. Optometrists: retired licenses.
Existing law, the Optometry Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of optometrists by the State Board of Optometry and makes a violation of the act a crime. Existing law requires the board to adopt regulations requiring licensees to complete continuing education as a condition of license renewal, as specified. Existing law also conditions the renewal of a license on payment of a specified renewal fee.
This bill would exempt a licensee from continuing education requirements and payment of the renewal fee if he or she applies to the board for a retired license. The bill would specify that the holder of a retired license is not required to renew that license, and would prohibit the holder of a retired license from engaging in the practice of optometry. Because a violation of this provision would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also require the State Board of Optometry to establish reinstatement procedures for retired licenses.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Vote: MAJORITY   Appropriation: NO   Fiscal Committee: YES   Local Program: YES  

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:


SECTION 1.

 Section 3151 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:

3151.
 A licensee is exempt from continuing education requirements and payment of the renewal fee if the licensee has applied to the board for a retired license. The holder of a retired license shall not be required to renew that license. The holder of a retired license may not engage in the practice of optometry. The board shall establish by regulation the process by which a retired license may be returned to an active status.

SEC. 2.

 No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.