Sleeping Dogs Lie in Louisiana When It Comes to ODs Using Laser

Louisiana “State Rep. Frank Hoffmann says he has pulled his bill that would have allowed optometrists to expand their practices,” reports Ouachita Citizen. “’I'm just going to let it lie,’ said Hoffmann, R-West Monroe. ‘It's just not the right time to do it.’ Under Hoffmann's legislation, House Bill 527, optometrists could have conducted more surgical procedures, including laser eye surgery. The bill also would have granted optometrists the authority to prescribe certain narcotics. Ophthalmologists, including former Congressman Dr. John Cooksey, fiercely opposed the bill. Cooksey is an ophthalmologist.” Read more.

Man Charged for Pointing Laser at Helicopter

"A man has been arrested for allegedly pointing a laser at a Pasadena police helicopter, injuring an officer on board," goes the San Jose Mercury News post. "A Pasadena police statement says 23-year-old Rafael Juarez of San Gabriel was taken into custody Thursday and booked on suspicion of discharging a laser at an aircraft and possession of a controlled substance. Police say the incident occurred about 9:30 a.m. Thursday as the helicopter flew over the city of San Gabriel. The helicopter crew was not wearing their protective eyewear at the time, but identified the suspect's location. With the help of San Gabriel police ground units, Juarez was arrested without incident. The flight crew landed safely at the Pasadena Heliport and the injured officer was taken to a hospital for evaluation. His condition is not known." Read more.