MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Senator(s) Huggins

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-19-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT THE ADOPTION OF RULES OR REGULATIONS AFFECTING THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY IN A COMMERCIAL, MERCANTILE OR RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT IN A MANNER DIFFERENT FROM THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY IN A PRIVATE OFFICE SETTING; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 73-19-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

73-19-9. (1) The State Board of Optometry shall organize by the election from its members of a president and a secretary, who shall hold their respective offices for one (1) year.

It shall hold regular meetings for examination, beginning on the second week of January and July of each year, and additional meetings at such times and places as the board shall determine, said additional meetings not to exceed ten (10) meeting days annually, but the July meeting shall be held in the City of Jackson.

A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum, but a less number may adjourn from time to time.

The board shall make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter; provided, however, that it shall require the concurrence of a majority of the members of the board to grant or revoke a license. But the board shall neither promulgate nor enforce any rule or regulation affecting the practice of optometry in a commercial, mercantile or retail establishment which does not apply equally to the practice of optometry in a private setting.

(2) This act to clarify and thereby amend Section 73-19-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, applies to all rules and regulations made and effected by the board both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this act.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.