Senate panel advances optometry board extension after audit questions

The Senate Government Operations Committee voted unanimously to move Senate Bill 1504 — extending the Board of Optometry — to the calendar after agency officials explained recent audit findings and corrective actions.

Jennifer Putnam, assistant commissioner for health licensure and regulation, told the committee that in April 2022 the board voted to reduce continuing-education audits from 100% to 5% to align with other health-related boards. Putnam said the board contracted the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) to administer audits, but the vendor continued performing 100% audits. "Optometry has approximately 1,400 licensees. Seventy-eight were determined to be deficient," Putnam said, adding that the board disciplined 5% of those 78 consistent with its policy and later implemented procedures to pursue discipline for all licensees identified by the vendor.

Dr. Linda Tharpe, identified in the record as board chair for optometry, and Putnam answered committee questions about timeline and corrective steps. Putnam said the board updated its processes in October 2025 to ensure consistent disciplinary follow-up on deficiencies identified by the vendor.

The committee recessed for the presentation and then returned to record a unanimous vote to advance the bill. The motion to move SB1504 to the calendar was made and seconded on the record; the madam secretary recorded nine "ayes." The bill now awaits consideration on the full Senate calendar.

This article is based on the committee's presentation and vote; details about subsequent enforcement actions or licensee names were not provided in the record.