June 6, 2023 — Throughout the last few months, the American Optometric Association (AOA) vocalized their support for the Florida Optometric Association (FOA)’s fight against Senate Bill (SB) 230, proposed Florida legislation that the AOA says would undermine the doctor-patient relationship and jeopardize patient outcomes if passed.
 
On June 2, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the bill that would have required health care practitioners to identify themselves in a specific manner in their advertisements, communication, and personal identification, disclosing the type of license under which an individual practitioner is authorized to provide services, along with the title and abbreviations specified by the bill. Further, it stated grounds for disciplinary action and denial of licensure by regulatory boards.

"Gov. DeSantis’ decisive action is a powerful message of support for and recognition of optometry’s essential and expanding role in health care. The FOA fought and prevailed in a challenging battle and did so by remaining confident in the knowledge that truth, fairness, and the needs of patients across the Sunshine State would prevail," says ​AOA president Dr. Ronald L. Benner. "I’m proud to say thank you to Gov. DeSantis, the FOA, and colleagues from across the country who helped ensure that our profession was heard loud and clear."

In his official statement, Gov. DeSantis did not share his reasons for vetoing SB 230 and SB 385, a bill regarding Florida’s involvement in the Professional Counselors Licensure Compact, which enables telehealth and in-person treatment across state lines.
 
Back in March, the AOA announced its plans to fight language in legislation that potentially seeks to block, limit, or discourage doctors of optometry from being referenced as doctors and physicians.