TITLE XXX
OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS

CHAPTER 327
OPTOMETRY

Examinations and Licenses

Section 327:6-a

    327:6-a Authorization for Pharmaceutical Agents. –
I. Only licensed optometrists who have successfully completed examinations on pharmacological substances and other treatments of diseases of the eye, adnexa and eyelids, who have met acceptable standards of education and professional competence as determined by the board, and who hold current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), shall be authorized to use pharmaceutical agents in the practice of optometry.
II. An optometrist licensed to practice optometry prior to January 1, 1993, shall complete a post-graduate course of study approved by the board covering the subjects of ocular pharmacology and the treatment and management of eye diseases and shall pass an examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry or its successor and approved by the board. Every optometrist licensed to practice optometry after January 1, 1993, shall pass an examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry or its successor and approved by the board. To meet the requirements of this section, an approved course shall be given by an accredited school or college of optometry in the United States and shall consist of a minimum of 105 hours, of which a minimum of 25 hours shall be in direct clinical training. The board shall adopt rules, under RSA 541-A, to carry out the provisions of this section and to insure the safety of the public.
III. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any licensed pharmacist is authorized to fill prescriptions issued by optometrists for pharmaceutical agents authorized under this chapter or included in the approved formulary.
IV. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit an optometrist to administer any pharmaceutical product by injection; or to administer, prescribe or dispense any pharmaceutical product designated as a schedule I or schedule II controlled substance under RSA 318-B:1-a; or to administer, prescribe or dispense any pharmaceutical product except for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or conditions of the human eye, adnexa or eyelids.
V. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an optometrist who is certified to use pharmaceutical agents in the practice of optometry shall be permitted to administer:
(a) Diphenhydramine, epinephrine, or an equivalent medication administered by injection or other administration route to counter anaphylaxis or anaphylactic reaction.
(b) Vaccines by injection to individuals 18 years of age or older. In order to administer vaccines an optometrist shall:
(1) Hold a current license to practice optometry in the state of New Hampshire.
(2) Complete and remain current with an immunization training program endorsed by the CDC, a course approved by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, or an equivalent course approved by the board of optometry, that at a minimum includes hands-on injection techniques, clinical evaluation of indications and contraindications of vaccines, and the recognition and treatment of emergency reactions to vaccines.
(3) Have at least $1,000,000 of professional liability insurance coverage.
(4) Hold active certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
(5) Provide to the office evidence of compliance under RSA 327:6-a, paragraph I through IV.
(6) Review the vaccine registry or other vaccination records before administering the vaccination.
(7) Record the vaccination in the state vaccine registry in accordance with RSA 141-C:20-f and when required by state or federal law and maintain a record of the vaccination as required by state and federal law.
(8) When designated by the patient, provide notice to the primary care provider of the administration of any vaccine.
(9) Submit reports of any adverse reactions following vaccination to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

[Paragraph VI effective until September 8, 2026; see also paragraph VI set out below.]


VI. To the extent approval of pharmaceuticals is referenced in RSA 327:1, III, the board shall have the authority to review and approve pharmaceuticals for use by optometrists certified to use pharmaceutical agents in the practice of optometry.

[Paragraph VI effective September 8, 2026; see also paragraph VI set out above.]


VI. The board shall have the authority to review and update the formulary for pharmaceutical agents as described in RSA 327:1, III(i) for use by optometrists certified to use pharmaceutical agents in the practice of optometry.
VII. The current optometric formulary shall be available from the board and posted on the board's website.
VIII. Upon certification to treat glaucoma patients pursuant to RSA 327:6-c, the office shall issue a license to the optometrist with a "tpa/g" certification.

Source. 1985, 245:2. 1993, 333:9. 1999, 197:6. 2006, 182:2. 2016, 83:2, 3, eff. July 18, 2016. 2023, 223:4, eff. Oct. 3, 2023. 2024, 327:119, eff. July 1, 2024. 2025, 204:10, eff. July 1, 2025. 2026, 300:3, eff. Sept. 8, 2026.