Committee recommends extending the licensing board five years
The Joint Government Operations Committee passed a non-binding recommendation to extend the TN Board of Dispensing Opticians for five years, while raising questions about the reserve balance and a long-vacant consumer seat.
The Joint Government Operations Committee made and passed a recommendation to extend the life of the TN Board of Dispensing Opticians for five (5) years. However, the legislators on the committee did ask that the licensing board address the reserve balance of $643,000 by looking at whether their fees should be reduced or maintained at the current level. They also voiced their displeasure regarding the consumer member vacancy that has existed since 2014.
Keep in mind, the decision for a five year extension is merely a recommendation and is non-binding. The next step in the process for continuing the Board of Dispensing Opticians is for the House and the Senate to take up and vote on an actual bill that has to go through the House and Senate committee system in 2021.