STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 5222

with Senate Floor Amendments

(Proposed by Senator DIEGNAN)

ADOPTED: MARCH 25, 2021

      These Senate floor amendments add language clarifying that the authorization for optometrists to administer immunizations is limited to immunizations against coronaviruses and influenza. 

      The floor amendments add language clarifying that the authorization for optometrists to administer immunizations against coronaviruses and influenza is contingent upon certification from the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists that the optometrist has met any training and qualification requirements established by the board’s rules and regulations.  The floor amendments further provide that during a public health emergency involving an outbreak or epidemic of a coronavirus or influenza, the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists may certify optometrists to administer immunizations for the specific disease for which the public health emergency has been declared, regardless of whether the board has adopted any rules and regulations for certifying optometrists to administer immunizations.

      The floor amendments remove language concerning the certification of optometrists to administer an epinephrine auto-injector device to a patient who is 18 years of age or older and who appears to be suffering from anaphylaxis.  The floor amendments remove language concerning the end of the authorization for optometrists to administer immunizations for coronavirus and influenza. The floor amendments remove a requirement that immunization administration training based on guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention be completed as a prerequisite for certification.

      The floor amendments add language clarifying that optometrists may not administer an immunization to any person who is younger than 18 years of age.

      The amendments revise the synopsis of the bill to reflect these changes.