Federal Bill Proposes Updates to Contact Lens Prescription Rules

TLDR

A new bill in Congress — the Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act (H.R. 4282) — aims to update how contact lens prescriptions are verified and shared, especially for online sellers. The bill would strengthen privacy protections under HIPAA and modernize electronic prescription verification.

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What You Need to Know

• 🏛️ Bill introduced: July 2, 2025, by Rep. Morgan Griffith; referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 💻 Online sellers: Would be required to provide a secure electronic method for customers to transmit contact lens prescriptions.
• 🔐 Privacy protections: Any prescription information shared electronically must comply with HIPAA privacy rules and be encrypted if sent by email.
• 📞 Contact verification: Sellers must include an email address in their verification contact information, expanding on current phone-only requirements.
• 🗣️ Automated calls: The bill clarifies that calls using artificial or prerecorded voices do not qualify as valid verification methods under the law.
• 📅 Next steps: The bill will move through committee review before any vote by the full House and Senate.

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Why It Matters

This proposal is part of ongoing federal efforts to balance convenience for online purchases with patient safety and privacy in healthcare transactions. If enacted, it could change how consumers and eye care providers in Wyoming and nationwide handle contact lens prescriptions.

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Source: H.R. 4282, Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act, 119th Congress (2025–2026).