BILL ANALYSIS �
SB 1215
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Date of Hearing: August 8, 2012
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Felipe Fuentes, Chair
SB 1215 (Emmerson) - As Amended: April 12, 2012
Policy Committee: Business and
Professions Vote: 9-0
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY
This bill establishes a "retired" and "retired volunteer
service" licensure option for optometrists licensed by the
California Board of Optometry (Board), and sets fees of $25
one-time and $50 biennially, respectively, for the two options.
This bill also deletes language authorizing the Board to define
"temporary practice," and instead defines "temporary practice."
FISCAL EFFECT
Possible minor reductions in fee revenue to the State Optometry
Fund. Individuals who pursue the licensure options created by
this bill and pay fees of $25 one-time or $50 biennially may
otherwise pay a biennial renewal fee of $425 for inactive
licensure status. On the other hand, if this bill were enacted,
some individuals who otherwise pay nothing, and allow their
license to enter delinquent status, may instead pursue a retired
license status and pay $25-$50 in licensure fees. The net
impact on licensure fee revenue is unknown.
Under current law, the board is authorized to increase a variety
of fees related to their licensees, subject to statutory maximum
levels. If there are minor revenue reductions to the State
Optometry Fund, fee increases in other areas may be necessary in
order to replace lost revenue.
COMMENTS
1)Rationale . The author indicates establishing retiree
licensure status options provides a more appropriate option to
SB 1215
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reflect a retired optometrist's status. Currently, the only
options available to a retired optometrist who no longer
wishes to practice are to either apply for inactive status and
pay a $425 biennial fee, or to let her license become
delinquent and eventually expire. In addition, the Board,
which is sponsoring and supporting this bill, states
simplifying the process of obtaining a retired license with
volunteer designation will encourage retired optometrists to
volunteer, increasing access to care for many underserved
communities.
2)Previous Legislation . AB 431 (Ma) Chapter 395, Statutes of
2011 and AB 2191 (Emmerson), Chapter 548, Statutes of 2010
addressed retired status for licensees of the California Board
of Accountancy and the Board of Behavioral Sciences,
respectively.
AB 2848 (Hernandez) of 2008 allowed optometrists to apply for
a retired license. AB 2848 died on the Inactive File of the
Senate Floor.
Analysis Prepared by : Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081