The Governor of Kentucky has recently signed into law a controversial bill involving eye care for residents of that state.
The bill, labeled SB 110, has had a significantly short journey, from its initial overwhelming passage in the Senate to its impressive passage in the House of Representatives in Kentucky. A New York Criminal Lawyer realized that both of these passages occurred within the same week in January, followed by a brief pause in the process until the governor signed the bill into law on Feb. 24.
The main provision of the bill is controversial in nature: on the surface, it allows for optometrists to perform certain types of minor surgery on patients that was once only administered by highly trained surgeons. The governor is quoted as saying, “Access to quality health care is a critical issue for families across the commonwealth”. He went on to promote the decision, declaring, “After careful consideration, along with meeting with many interested parties, today I signed Senate Bill 110 to give Kentuckians greater access to necessary eye care”, according to a New York Criminal Lawyer. Opponents of this decision cite what they believe to be a disastrous result of this law: according to the president of the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, “Optometrists simply do not have the training necessary to perform these procedures or manage the kinds of serious complications that can arise during surgery.”
On the other side of the debate are those who support the passing of the bill on the part of the Senate, House and Governor. One is an optometrist who will likely benefit from the law and who defends the ability of optometrists to perform these procedures: “That’s in the bill that they will establish the standards,” he claims. “That’s an important point; we will be held to the same standards as anyone else who is doing these procedures.”
A New York Criminal Lawyer understands that these procedures include clearing surgically-implanted lenses and removing benign skin tags from eyelids. While the provision of proper training is cited as support for this bill, many within the professional field remain uneasy of this change in law and its perceived dangers to patients.
With the passage of this controversial bill into law, a N York Criminal Attorney recognizes that there may be those who take legal action in response to either personal injury while under surgery, or other unforeseen instances of personal right claims.
Though it is hoped that any such conflict be resolved wisely, a New York Criminal Attorney is prepared to assist you and your loved ones in such cases, should you find yourself affected by consequences of this new law.
Stephen Bilkis and Associates can offer you support and guidance as well as a free consultation when you contact us at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW. We have offices in NY City, including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and The Bronx and in Nassau County, Suffolk County and Westchester County. If you have a DUI or are involved in an accident resulting from DWI, call a New York Criminal Attorney today and let them help you. A good New York Criminal Attorney will help you take responsibility without being taken to the cleaners.