Year: 2011
Resolution Number: 34
Action Taken: Approved
Status:
Author(s): Theresa Cooney, MD
Sponsor: Theresa Cooney, MD
On behalf of: Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
Committee: B (Legislation)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS continue to support the current accepted standards that all ophthalmic surgery be performed only by appropriately educated, trained and certified allopathic and osteopathic physicians possessing an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state of Michigan, and overseen by the state of Michigan Board of Medicine; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS continue to protect the public by supporting the current restrictions that prevent optometrists from performing ophthalmic surgery.RATIONALE: The Committee reiterated the need for organized medicine to be vigilant where scope of practice incursions by professionals with insufficient training threaten patient safety. The types of procedures being performed by optometrists in some other states put patients at risk. Solidarity among physicians is crucial in this area. Where patient safety is involved, legislation is no substitute for education and training.
RESOLVED: That MSMS continue to support the current accepted standards that all ophthalmic surgery be performed only by appropriately educated, trained and certified allopathic and osteopathic physicians possessing an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state of Michigan, and overseen by the state of Michigan Board of Medicine; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That MSMS continue to protect the public by supporting the current restrictions that prevent optometrists from performing ophthalmic surgery.RATIONALE: The Committee reiterated the need for organized medicine to be vigilant where scope of practice incursions by professionals with insufficient training threaten patient safety. The types of procedures being performed by optometrists in some other states put patients at risk. Solidarity among physicians is crucial in this area. Where patient safety is involved, legislation is no substitute for education and training.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Ophthalmic Surgery by Surgeons