Annual Board member vacancies occur with the term of the current board listed by each board member. The Governor appoints all members with the open appointment cycle which begins in November of each year. All board terms are four years with no official limit to the number of terms that can be served. If multiple candidates are filing applications, typically two terms are the maximum served by sitting board members.
As a state agency, the Minnesota Board of Optometry's mission and primary responsibility is to promote, preserve and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by regulating the practice of the optometry. The Board ensures that all persons licensed meet a minimum set of entry-level educational and training standards, and are qualified, professional, ethical, and accountable in their daily delivery of quality ophthalmic health. The Board also investigates and resolves complaints against optometrists and issues corrective actions as necessary.
Board members serve the critical role in setting and enforcing those entry level and continued competency standards. The Board holds quarterly meetings with various committee meetings. Board members are eligible to receive the current $75.00 day per diem and are reimbursed for their direct travel, accommodation, and meal expenses in accordance with state reimbursement schedules.
Application for Board Member Appointment-Procedure:
In accordance with the Minnesota Open Appointments Law, the Secretary of State acts as an administrator in publishing vacancies every November, receiving applications, and recording appointments. Applications must be obtained from and submitted to the Office of the Secretary of State. Please contact their office at 651.297.5845 or visit their website at
www.sos.state.mn.us. Please submit your application after November 1, but as soon as possible to be assured full consideration by the appointing authority. Applications will be accepted until all appointments are made by the Governor.
Options to obtain and submit an application to the Minnesota Secretary of State Office:
2. Mail or deliver to:
Office of the Secretary of State, Open Appointments
180 State Office Building
100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd
St. Paul MN 55155-1299
3. Fax to 651.296.9073
Governor Appoints
The Governors Appointment Secretary receives all applications and works directly with the Governor to make all appointments. This process can take a few months with all appointments generally made by June of each year. The Appointment Secretary may contact the applicant for an interview or follow up information to share with the Governor.
