Governor signs GA HB 235 into law

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The new Georgia law allows ODs to prescribe steroids, hydracodone, and all medications using any distribution method except surgical or injectable, plus requires all ODs to take CE regardless of age.

Atlanta, GA-Georgia governor Nathan Deal (R) yesterday signed into law HB 235. The new law is effective immediately and:
• Allows optometrists to prescribe corticosteroids for up to 14 days.
• Allows optometrists to prescribe hydrocodone for up to 48 hours regardless of any changes to federal reclassification of the medication.
• Allows optometrists to prescribe all medication using any appropriate distribution method except surgical or injectable, including any new vehicles to administer medications, such as nasal sprays, contact lenses, etc.
• Requires all optometrists to take continuing education regardless of age.

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