State House Considering Bill to Define Ophthalmic Surgery
A bill being considered by the state House would define ophthalmic surgery and limit it only to licensed physicians.
House Bill 1188 would define ophthalmic surgery as use of a device or instrument to cut, drain, penetrate, thermally alter, vaporize, freeze, burn, suture, probe, manipulate, or inject the eye or ocular adnexa. This can include:
- Lasers
- Cautery
- Radiation
- Scalpels
- Probes
- Needles
The definition would be an addition to the state’s Medical Practice Act.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society strongly supports this bill because there is potential for irreparable harm in a procedure involving the eyes.
The bill was passed by the House Professional Licensure Committee but has been re-referred to the committee.
Last Updated: 6/17/2010