CHAPTER I
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Direct Links to Subjects:
ARTICLE II - Applications for
Examination……………………..……….
ARTICLE III
- Entrance
Examination……………………………..………….
ARTICLE V
–
Renewals…………………………………………………..…………
ARTICLE VI -
Unprofessional
Conduct……………………………………..
ARTICLE VII
- Ophthalmic
Advertising…………………………….………
ARTICLE VIII
- Continuing
Education……………………………….………
ARTICLE IX -
Ophthalmic
Standards…………………………..……………
ARTICLE X -
Filing and Investigation of
Charges…………..………..
ARTICLE XI -
Revocation and Suspension Proceedings……..……....
ARTICLE IV -
Issue and Renewal of Therapeutic Drug
Certificate…………………………………………………………………………....
ARTICLE V -
Issue and Renewal of Optometric Physician Certificate……………………………………………………………………..…….
ARTICLE VIII
- Prescribing oral
steroids………………………………...
ARTICLE IX -
Prescribing controlled
substances…………………....
ARTICLE I -
Impaired Optometric Treatment program…………….
Pursuant to Act 94 of the Acts of Arkansas of 1941, as amended by Act 102 of 1957, Act 710 of 1979, Act 875 of 1985, Act 397 of 1991, and Act 101 of 1987, and Acts 176/186 of 1997, the Arkansas State Board of Optometry promulgates and adopts the following rules and regulations concerning official action by the Board and the regulation of the practice of optometry.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE I - Meeting of Board
Section 1 -
The Board shall meet at least two (2) times each year, time and place to be designated by the President of the Board in his official call of such meetings. However, additional special meetings may be held at the discretion of the President of the Board, or at the written request of two (2) members of the Board, provided such special meetings are necessary.
Section 2 -
Meetings may be called by the President of the Board by giving three (3) days’ notice of meeting. Notice may be oral or written, and shall set forth the time and place of such meeting.
Section 3 -
A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, and if a quorum is not present at the time of such called meeting, same may be adjourned to a later date to be designated by the President.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE II - Applications for Examination
Section 1 -
Before any person shall be permitted to take the entrance examination prescribed
by law, he shall submit a written application to the Secretary of the Board
setting forth his name, address, date of birth, and a detailed history of his
educational qualifications, showing the name and location of school, and the
length of time which the applicant attended school. He shall also state in such
application whether he has engaged in the practice of optometry elsewhere. To
be eligible to take examination an applicant must be a graduate of a
Section 2 -
Such application shall contain the names of at least three (3) persons, not related to the applicant, as character references with whom the applicant has been associated in the past five (5) years.
Section 3 -
In making such application the applicant shall state that he is willing to abide by the laws of this State regulating the practice of optometry and shall abide by the rules and regulations adopted by this Board.
Section 4 -
Such application shall be subscribed by the applicant and sworn to by him before any officer, qualified under the laws of this State, to administer oaths.
Section 5 - Any person furnishing false information in such application shall be denied the right to the entrance examination, or if the applicant has been licensed before it is made known to the Board of the falseness of such information, such license shall be the subject of suspension or revocation.
Section 6 -
The examination will be administered no less than twice a year. The application for examination shall be
accompanied by a fee of $400.00. The application and the fee must be received
by the State Board office prior to
Section 7 -
In case of withdrawal the examination fee, less a $25 service charge, will be refunded if written notice of withdrawal is received at least 45 days prior to the date the examination is to be given.
Section 8 -
All examinations will be given in English.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE III - Entrance Examination
Section 1 -
Entrance examination shall be given by members of the Board, or any duly qualified individual or committee, designated by the Board.
Section 2 -
Such examination may be oral or written, or both, and shall consist of the subjects designated in Section 5 of Act 94 of the Acts or Arkansas of 1941 as amended by Act 102 of 1957, Act 710 of 1979, Act 875 of 1985, Act 397 of 1991, Act 101 of 1987, and Acts 176/186 of 1997 and other subjects designated by the Board.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE IV - Reciprocity
Section 1 -
An application for licensure by reciprocity pursuant to Subchapter 3 of Section 17-90-302 of Act 397 of 1991, shall be filed with the Secretary of the Board and shall set forth the name, address, date of birth, and the place or places where the applicant has engaged in the practice of optometry for the three (3) years immediately preceding the application. The application shall contain the names of at least three persons not related to the applicant with whom the applicant has been associated in the last five years. Such application shall also state whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime, or has ever had his license to practice optometry in other states revoked or suspended.
Section 2 -
Such application shall also set forth the educational and professional qualifications of the applicant.
Section 3 -
The application shall contain a statement by the applicant that he is willing to abide by the laws of this State and the rules and regulations of this Board, and such application shall be subscribed by the applicant and sworn to by him before an officer qualified to administer oaths by the laws of this State.
Section 4 -
The application shall be accompanied with a fee of $400.00. It shall be understood by the applicant that the application fee is to cover the cost of investigation and examination felt necessary by the Board.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE V - Renewals
Section 1 -
All renewal fees shall be paid to the Secretary of the Board on or before
the 1st day of February each year. Effective
A. Each license renewal fee must be received in the office of the secretary
of the Arkansas Board of Optometry no later than
B. Each license holder, who has not renewed his or her license on or before February 1 of each year, will be given thirty (30) days’ notice of a hearing before the Board. Notice of such hearing shall be made by certified mail, return receipt requested. The Board may consider the following facts and circumstances in reaching a decision as to the terms and conditions of renewal:
1. If the applicant continued to practice in any manner whatsoever subsequent to the notice of a hearing before the Board.
2. Whether there were any extenuating circumstances preventing a timely application for licensure.
Section 2 -
Any optometrist licensed to practice in
Section 3 -
License and current certificate of renewal of license to practice optometry, will always be displayed in a conspicuous place in the office of the holder thereof, and whenever requested the license and current certificate of renewal will be exhibited or produced before the Arkansas State Board of Optometry, or to its authorized agents. Any optometrist who performs any of the acts constituting the practice of optometry, or any part thereof, as described in the Arkansas Optometry Law (A.C.A. l7-90-101 et. seq.), or who employs others to perform any or all of the same, shall specify to the State Board of Optometry a designation for each location where full or partial practice takes place. Recognizing that modes of practice vary from location to location, and such modes of practice may include the utilization of a primary office only, a rotation between branch offices, or the combination of a primary office and one or more branch offices, the Board does hereby set forth rules and regulations governing both the definition of office designations and the requirements and restrictions pertaining to the same. It is the express intent of these rules and regulations to ensure that all offices, whether primary offices or branch offices, are regulated in a like manner. The requirements for primary offices must be no less than those for branch offices.
A. A primary office is defined as: the permanent location at which a licensed optometrist practices full-time, or if practicing in more than one location, the office at which he or she practices the greatest percentage of time, or if practicing with a mobile branch office, that office the licensee utilizes for record storage, equipment maintenance, and patient availability in conjunction with the mobile operations.
B. A branch office is defined as any office, other than the primary office, at which a licensed optometrist or employee or agent of a licensed optometrist solicits patients either directly or indirectly and in a premeditated fashion for the purpose of rendering any type of optometric services, including the measuring, repairing, ordering, dispensing, verifying, or adjusting of ophthalmic materials or spectacle lens prescriptions.
1. A fixed branch office is a branch office as defined above is located in a permanent location.
2. A mobile branch office is a mobile operation utilized for the practice of optometry at multiple locations.
C. Availability is the reasonable ability to ensure provision of optometric care in a timely manner as warranted by patient needs, including, but not limited to, emergencies.
A licensee who practices in more than one (1) office location shall make application to the Board for a duplicate license for each branch office for display as required by this section. In issuing a duplicate license, the address of the branch office location and the original certificate number shall be included. At the time of an annual renewal of the license, those optometrists who have been issued a duplicate license for a branch office shall make application to the Arkansas State Board of Optometry on a form provided by the Board for the renewal of the license. The holder of a certificate for a branch office may cancel it by returning the certificate to the Secretary of the Board.
The fee for a duplicate license for each branch office,
be it fixed or mobile, shall be $50.00, to be renewed annually, and will expire
at
A licensed optometrist practicing in more than one (1) office shall provide information to patients as to how he or she, or another licensed optometrist, may be contacted during regular business hours.
Section 4 -
Each licensed optometrist must comply with the following:
A. Each licensed optometrist shall have on file with the Board his current business address and telephone number.
B. If a licensed optometrist changes the physical location of where he or she practices optometry, be it the primary office, fixed branch office, or physical location of the mobile branch office, he or she must first notify the Executive Director of the Arkansas State Board of Optometry by mail, fax, or electronic communications, on a form as provided by the Board Office, of the address and phone number of the intended location of practice and pay an administrative fee of $30.00, all prior to resuming practice.
C. Any correspondence from the State Board of Optometry, of any nature, which is mailed to a listed permanent address of a licensed optometrist, which requires response or action, must be taken care of within the time specified in the notice, or if no time is stated in the notice, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of said notice.
D. In case of absence or disability, each licensed optometrist shall designate a responsible party (secretary, attorney, or a relative) with appropriate address, to serve as his agent. The designated person will have authority to respond in his behalf to any correspondence received from the Board under © above.
E. The name, address, and phone number of the person designated as agent for the licensed optometrist shall be listed with the Board at each license renewal time, or in the event of any change, as required above.
F. Every licensed optometrist shall, within ten (10) days of receipt of written notification of the filing of a claim or lawsuit alleging malpractice against him or her, notify the Arkansas State Board of Optometry by registered letter of the lawsuit and provide the information on a form provided by the Board. All such information and reports shall be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, and shall be released only upon the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
G. Failure to comply with any of the above requirements shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of the licensed optometrist to practice and/or fines.
Section 5 -
Requirements and restrictions for primary offices:
Each licensed optometrist owning or using a primary office only shall:
A. Report to the Board the street address and telephone number of the office designated as the primary office.
B. Maintain reasonable access to all patient records at the primary office location for each patient examined or treated at that location.
C. Ensure the provision of appropriate follow-up care, continuity of care, and availability for his or her patients in the primary office location.
D. Maintain in good working order the equipment necessary to provide a routine eye examination which shall include, but not be limited to, the following minimum equipment: a device for the accurate measurement of visual acuity, a lensometer, a direct ophthalmoscope, a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (DPA, TPA, or optometric physician, certified practitioners only), a retinoscope, an instrument for the measurement of intra-ocular pressure, a refracting instrument, an instrument for measurement of corneal curvature, an instrument for the measurement of visual fields, and a biomicroscope.
E. Ensure that a licensed optometrist be in personal attendance at least twenty percent (20%) of the time, per month, the primary office is open, seeing patients.
F. Meet all the requirements of the Arkansas Optometry Law, Act 397 of the Acts of Arkansas-1991 (A.C.A.17-90-303).
Section 6 -
Requirements and restrictions for fixed branch offices:
Each licensed optometrist owning or using one or more fixed branch offices shall:
A. Report to the Board each fixed branch office location other than a primary office at which he or she is practicing optometry.
B. Maintain reasonable access to all patient records at each fixed branch office location for each patient examined or treated at that location.
C. Ensure the provision of appropriate follow-up care, continuity of care, and availability for his or her patients in the fixed branch office location.
D. Maintain in good working order the equipment necessary to provide a routine eye examination which shall include, but not be limited to, the following minimum equipment: a device for the accurate measurement of visual acuity, a lensometer, a direct ophthalmoscope, a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (DPA, TPA, or optometric physician, certified practitioners only), a retinoscope, an instrument for the measurement of intra-ocular pressure, a refracting instrument, an instrument for measurement of corneal curvature, an instrument for the measurement of visual fields, and a biomicroscope.
E. Ensure that a licensed optometrist be in personal attendance at least twenty percent (20%) of the time, per month, the fixed branch office is open.
F. Meet all the requirements of the Arkansas Optometry Law, Act 397 of the Acts of Arkansas-1991 (A.C.A. 17-90-303).
Section 7 -
Requirements and restrictions for mobile branch offices:
A. Report to the Board, the office at which all patient records are maintained.
B. Provide every patient with the telephone number and address of the office used in conjunction with the mobile operations.
C. Maintain reasonable access to all patient records at the office.
D. Ensure personal availability via the use of a beeper, mobile telephone, radio, or other modality that is capable of receiving calls from the office while the licensed practitioner is practicing at one of the various locations served by the mobile operation.
E. Ensure the provision of appropriate follow-up care, continuity of care, and availability for his or her patients in every location served by the mobile operation.
F. Maintain and use appropriate facilities for the storage and transit of all pharmaceutical agents used by the licensed practitioner or certified optometrist that will ensure the safety and condition of such agents when they are in transit or being stored.
G. Maintain in good working order the equipment necessary to provide a routine eye examination which shall include, but not be limited to, the following minimum equipment: A device for the accurate measurement of visual acuity, a lensometer, a direct ophthalmoscope, a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (DPA, TPA, or optometric physician, certified practitioners only), a retinoscope, an instrument for the measurement of intra-ocular pressure, a refracting instrument, an instrument for measurement of corneal curvature, an instrument for the measurement of visual field, and a biomicroscope.
H. Ensure that a licensed optometrist be in personal attendance at least twenty percent (20%) of the time, per month, the mobile branch office is open.
I. Meet all the requirements of the Arkansas Optometry Law, Act 397 of the Acts of Arkansas - 1991 (A.C.A. 17-90-303).
Section 8 -
Any licensed optometrist who owns, operates, or leases to or from another person any type of office (practice) or optical dispensary as described in Section 3 (a) and/or (b) of the Rules and Regulations of the Arkansas State Board of Optometry, or who employs others to do the same, shall include his or her full name, displayed in a prominent fashion, on or near, the entrance of the office or optical dispensary, and in any written advertisement, concerning such operation, so that the public is properly informed as to the licensed optometrist responsible for the materials and services offered at such locations.
In addition, at each location, the full name of the licensed optometrist physically present and responsible for the provision of optical goods and/or services on each particular day shall be displayed in a prominent fashion, on or near, the entrance of the office or optical dispensary.
Section 9 -
Renewal of the Certificate of Registration for a Professional Corporation.
A. In accordance with section 64-2005 and 64-2006 of the General Statutes of Arkansas, the Chief Corporate Officer is required to renew the Certificate of Registration no later than January 31 of each year. The fee for renewal is $10.00.
Section 10 -
Failure to comply with any of the requirements contained herein in ARTICLE V, RENEWALS, Rules and Regulations of the Arkansas State Board of Optometry, shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of the practitioner’s license to practice and/or fines.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE VI - Unprofessional Conduct
Section 1 -
The following acts on the part of any licensed optometrist shall be deemed by the Board to be unprofessional conduct.
A. The violation of any of the provisions of Act 94 of 1941, as amended by Act 102 of 1957, Act 710 of 1979, Act 875 of 1985, Act 101 of 1987 and Acts 176/186 of 1997.
B. The violation of any of the rules and regulations promulgated by this Board.
C. For any optometrist to fraudulently represent or misrepresent any fact concerning his professional activities toward his patient.
D. False or fraudulent representation, or misrepresentation, of the quality or effectiveness of materials used by such optometrist.
E. For any optometrist to treat or prescribe for a patient when he is grossly incompetent to do so.
F. For any optometrist to make an exorbitant or unreasonable charge for materials or services rendered, or furnished by him, to his patients.
G. For any optometrist to be convicted of a felony or to be identified by the Board as impaired. “Impaired” shall mean the presence of active alcoholism, substance (drug) abuse, and/or any other mental illness resulting in professional incompetence (i.e.. the inability or failure of practitioner to practice optometry with reasonable skill and safety).
H. For any optometrist to accept employment from an unlicensed person or corporation to engage in the practice of optometry.
J. For any optometrist to advertise or represent that he possesses a peculiar or particular technique or degree of training which makes him superior to, or more effective, in the practice of optometry than other optometrists.
K. For any optometrist to fail to keep secret and inviolate all information of a personal nature obtained by him while acting in his professional capacity.
L. For any optometrist to exaggerate the visual defects of a patient, but on the other hand must reveal in a fair and candid manner the actual condition of the patient, if requested to do so.
M. For any optometrist to use an unprofessional display sign of any type, provided, however, paint, gold-leaf, or other forms of lettering on windows, doors or walls may be used setting forth the name and title “Optometrist” or “Doctor of Optometry” or the abbreviation “O.D.,” provided further, due to multiple practices when an O.D. does one thing and the other does another, and further, due to offices located in shopping centers and located away from the street, it would be considered professional and ethical for a sign in small letters to be placed near the street, also on building where office is located; be it further considered professional, due to professional corporation Act, that the sign may read as follows:
· 1. (Last Name) - Optometric Vision Clinic
· 2. (Full Name) - O.D. or Doctor of Optometry
· 3. (Full Name) - Optometrist, O.D., or Doctor of Optometry NOT ALL
· 4. If incorporated, P.A., P.C., or LTD, follows O.D. or incorporated name.
N. For any optometrist to practice under any name other than his own proper name.
O. The receipt, directly or indirectly, of any rebate, commission, refund, or discount from any person, firm, or corporation who supplies and/or dispenses ophthalmic materials directly to the optometrist’s patient, whether said rebate, commission, refund, or discount in the form of money, property, or other financial considerations, whether it be based upon a percentage or upon the difference between so-called wholesale and retail price, or otherwise.
It is determined by the Board that the preceding acts are unethical and constitute unprofessional conduct, and shall be discontinued forthwith under penalty of revocation or suspension of license and/or fines for violation thereof.
P. Arkansas Code Annotated § 17-90-305 provides that the Board may discipline an optometrist for exhibiting unprofessional conduct. Any prescription written by a licensed optometrist in the State of Arkansas will contain and comply with the following:
1. The name of the prescribing optometrist must be printed on each prescription in a legible manner.
2. The address and telephone number of the prescribing optometrist must be placed on the type printed form on the prescription.
3. The State license number as issued by the Arkansas State Board of Optometry to the prescribing optometrist must be clearly written on the prescription.
4. The prescribing optometrist must place his signature on each prescription.
5. The body of the prescription must be legible in order to clearly communicate the quantity and strength of the substance or item to be prescribed as well as any instructions for a medication or use of the item in order to insure safety of the patient.
6. That the name of the patient for whom the prescription is written must be clearly printed on the prescription.
7. The date that the prescription is given to the patient must be written on the prescription.
An optometrist would be considered as exhibiting unprofessional conduct if he does not comply with the above state requirements in writing prescriptions.
Q. An optometrist shall have twenty-four hour access to his or her practice locations and patient records, so that he or she may provide emergency services to patients when necessary. A failure to have such access would be considered as unprofessional conduct and of a danger and harm to his or her patients.
R. Any optometrist who examines a patient and creates a record of said patient is responsible for the security and custody of said record. Because of the confidential nature and relationship between the examining optometrist and patient, the examination record (including the patient’s name, address, age, occupation, and findings and pertinent facts) discovered and disclosed during the course of such examination, as well as the record of professional services rendered and fees charged therefore, shall be the exclusive property of the optometrist who rendered the professional services to said patient. Patient records described aforesaid are the property and responsibility of the examining optometrist, except when the examining optometrist is employed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. In this circumstance, the patient records are the property and responsibility of the optometrist or ophthalmologist who employs the optometrist. If an optometrist is not employed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and temporarily take the place of an optometrist, then any records created by him shall be removed and secured by him at the completion of that day’s practice.
Access to patient records is available only to the optometrist who created the record, the optometrist or ophthalmologist who employs the optometrist, the patient (or the person designated by the patient in writing to see said records) or employees under the direct personal supervision and control of said optometrist, or to those individuals or entities authorized by law or Federal Regulation to receive the same. Any optometrist, who is the custodian of a patient record and ceases to practice at a particular location, must notify said patient where his or her personal record may be obtained. Before any record of a patient is destroyed, said patient must be notified prior to his or her record being destroyed and given thirty (30) days to respond before said record is destroyed. However, if a patient has not been examined for five (5) years or more, said patient’s record may be destroyed by the examining optometrist without notifying said patient.
Any patient is entitled to a copy of his or her patient records and may request the same. If the patient makes a request in writing to the optometrist, requesting said records and designating where said record is to be sent and to whom, the optometrist is to copy and make the record available at a reasonable fee, excluding x-rays, not exceed one dollar ($1.00) per page for the first five pages and twenty five cents ($.25) for each additional page, except that a minimum charge may be five dollars ($5.00) provided, however, a reasonable recovery fee for stored records may be added to the photocopying charge. Provided, further, this section shall not prohibit reasonable fees for a narrative report or medical review of a record when performed by the optometrist subject to the request.
If an optometrist renders treatment to a patient in a hospital or nursing home, he may elect to utilize the record keeping system of the facility, if he determines that it is accurate and secure and can be available to him or the patient.
It is unprofessional conduct to not comply with this regulation, that is for an optometrist not to properly secure, store and protect the privacy of a patient record and to not distribute copies of those said records to the patient or to the person designated by the patient when requested by the patient.
S. ACA § 17-90-305(B)(2) states that in addition to those acts which may be prescribed by the Board as unprofessional conduct, the following shall be deemed by the Board to be unprofessional:
The acceptance of employment, by
a licensed optometrist from an optometrist not licensed in
ACA § 17-90-104(4) provides that it is unlawful “for any person, firm, corporation, or partnership not having a license, to engage in the practice of optometry.”
ACA § 17-90-104(5) states that it is unlawful “for any person, firm, partnership, or corporation to employ any optometrist, physician, or surgeon to assist it in the unlawful practice of optometry. However, a licensed optometrist or partnership comprised of licensed optometrists may employ other licensed optometrists in practicing optometry.”
ACA § 17-90-104(6) provides that it is unlawful “for an optometrist, physician, or surgeon to accept employment from any unlicensed person, firm, partnership, corporation, or in any manner to assist it, or them, in the unlawful practice of optometry.”
If warranted the Board shall open an investigation and shall subpoena if necessary such evidence, documents and persons so as to make a determination on whether a formal hearing shall be held before the Board.
For the Board to make a determination on whether a licensed optometrist is employed, by a non-licensed person, corporation, or entity in the practice of optometry, the Board shall take into consideration all evidence of control by the unlicensed person, corporation, or entity.
The Board shall adopt as its
guide where necessary, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Twenty Factor Test,
as may be amended, found in Revenue Ruling 87-14 and further, may use federal
or
Should the Board, in an administrative hearing, determine that a violation of ACA § 17-90-104(5) or ACA § 17-90-104(6) has occurred, the Board may levy such sanctions against the licensee and unlicensed entity as provided by law in the Practice Act.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE VII - Ophthalmic Advertising
Section 1 -
Any optometrist who advertises as to his services, charges, or items furnished shall do so in such a manner as not to directly or indirectly mislead the public with respect thereto and in accordance with the following:
A. Such advertising shall specify as to services, what services are included in the prices quoted and specifically whether the price includes professional examination and prescriptions, and whether additional charges may be made for related or subsequent services required in individual cases.
B. Any statement or advertisement, which purports to provide a “guaranteed” cure of any condition as a result of receipt of ophthalmic services or materials, is prohibited.
C. Any statement or advertisement which involves eyeglasses, lenses, frames, mountings, or prosthetic devices shall specify the kind, type, and quality of the advertised item, as well as the name of the manufacturer, and the manufacturer’s identifying name or number to enable the public to identify and evaluate the advertised item. Such advertising shall state whether the quoted price includes the cost of professional services, and if not, the amount which will be added for each service.
Section 2 -
Any statement or advertisement which makes unsubstantiated claims comparing prices or quality of services, and/or materials such as “best examination in Arkansas,” or “Lowest prices in Arkansas” is prohibited.
Section 3 -
Any statement or advertisement which offers a “discount” on the price of ophthalmic materials or services must specify the regular price of the material or service.
Section 4 -
Optometrists may obtain a listing in the Yellow Pages or classified section of the telephone or other directories, as long as such listing conforms to the style and type of listing of other health professionals.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE VIII - Continuing Education
Section 1 -
Beginning on the first day of January, 1996, in addition to the payment of the license renewal fee, each optometrist registered under the provisions of Act 94 of 1941, as amended by Act 102 of 1957, Act 710 of 1979, Act 101 of 1987, Act 3907 of 1991, and Acts 176/186 of 1997 of the Acts of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas applying for the renewal of his license, shall furnish to the Arkansas State Board of Optometry satisfactory evidence that he obtained no less than twelve (12) clock hours of post-graduate education in a course, or courses, previously designated or approved by the Board, in the year just preceding such application for the renewal of his or her license. All out of state C.E. must be COPE (Council on Optometric Practitioner Education) approved. The State Board will continue to review in-state courses and courses offered by accredited schools and colleges of optometry, schools of medicine, and pharmacy. Of the twelve (12) clock hours required for license renewal, credit for four (4) clock hours may be obtained through approved correspondence or Internet courses. The Secretary of the Arkansas State Board of Optometry shall mail by first class United States mail a written notice to this effect to each person holding a license to practice optometry within the state of Arkansas at least thirty (30) days prior to the first day of January in each year, directed to the last-known address of such licensee. In the event that any licensee shall fail to obtain twelve (12) clock hours of post-graduate education previously designated or approved by the Board, this is declared to be unprofessional conduct by the Arkansas State Board of Optometry and shall be cause for revocation, or suspension of license to practice optometry in this state and/or fines; or to refuse to issue a renewal of any license at any time.
Provided, however, the Arkansas State Board of Optometry may reinstate such licensee to practice optometry in this State any time, or issue a renewal license to any licensee at any time upon the presentation of satisfactory evidence of completion of the post-graduate study required for license renewal and upon the payment of all fees due.
Provided, further, that any optometrist, who because of illness or other unavoidable circumstances, is unable to comply herewith, may make application to the State Board stating the circumstances as to why he or she is unable to so comply, and the Board, at its discretion, may relieve the applicant from so complying for such time and under such circumstances as the Board deems proper.
If any licensee desires to be considered by the Board as retired, and not practicing optometry, then the licensee may renew his or her license without complying with the continuing education requirements.
Optometrists serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or Public Health Service assigned to duties outside the boundaries of the United States will be classified as “hardship” and excluded from the continued education requirements.
One clock hour of continuing education requirements of the required 12 clock hours per year must be in the subject matter of Arkansas Jurisprudence, to include the study of the Arkansas Statutes and Regulations of the Board governing the practice of optometry. Said jurisprudence course must be pre-approved by the Board in order to meet the one hour requirement of continuing education.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE IX - Ophthalmic Standards
Section 1 -
All ophthalmic lenses and material dispensed by licensed optometrists in this state shall conform to standards of quality as promulgated by the American National Standards Institute (commonly known as Z-80 standards), which are in effect on the date these rules take effect.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE X - Filing and Investigation of Charges
Section 1 -
Any person may make a complaint before this Board against any licensed optometrist by filing with the Secretary a written statement setting forth the name of the optometrist, the nature of the acts to be discussed, and the time and place where the alleged acts occurred. Such information shall be kept confidential, unless it is made the basis of a hearing before the Board.
Section 2 -
The Board shall investigate all complaints before taking action thereon or making name public. The Board shall also give any optometrist, against whom a complaint may be filed, an opportunity to explain his side of the complaint.
Section 3 -
If, after investigation, the Board finds the complaint was justified, it may take action thereon, or may issue a warning to such optometrist that any future violation will result in immediate action by the Board.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE XI - Revocation and Suspension Proceedings
Section 1 -
Before proceedings are had by the Board it shall cause to be issued a notice to the accused, according to Section 10 of Act 94 of 1941, as amended by Act 102 of 1957.
Section 2 -
Such notice shall designate in detail the nature of the charges against the person accused and shall set forth the time and place of the hearing.
Section 3 -
All hearings contemplating the revocation, suspension, or rejection for renewal of licenses shall be conducted according to Section 10 of Act 94 of 1941 as amended by Act 102 of 1957, or as provided in the uniform law pertaining to State Boards.
CHAPTER I, ARTICLE XII: Release of Contact Lens Prescriptions, and Registration of Entities Outside of the State Who Sell Contact Lenses
This regulation sets forth the standards for the writing of a contact lens prescription, the method of releasing said contact lens prescription to the patient, and the registration with the Arkansas State Board of Optometry of entities located outside the state of Arkansas who ship, mail, or deliver contact lenses or prescriptions for contact lenses to residents of Arkansas, all pursuant to ACA §17-90-108, 109, and 110.
Section 1 Definitions
(1) “Person” means an individual, corporation, trust, partnership, incorporated or unincorporated association, and any other legal entity.
(2) “Prescriber” means an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
(3) “Buyer” means a state resident who purchases contact lenses.
(4) “Seller” means an optometrist or ophthalmologist licensed in the state of Arkansas to sell contact lenses to individuals for whom he/she prescribed, or those persons, firms, corporations, or other legal entities in conjunction with an optometrist or ophthalmologist licensed in that state who may be located outside of the State of Arkansas, who are authorized to sell contact lenses to individuals who have been lawfully prescribed contact lenses.
(5) “Business hours” means an hour between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. during a weekday (Monday through Friday), excluding federal holidays (New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; President’s Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran’s Day; Thanksgiving; and Christmas). “Business hours” also may include, at the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller’s” option, a prescriber’s regular business hours on Saturdays, provided that the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” has actual knowledge of these hours. “Business Hours” shall be determined based on the time zone of the prescriber.
Eight (8) business hours shall be calculated from the time the prescriber receives a complete prescription verification request and contains all of the required information to the prescriber (section 4 (3)) from the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller,” and shall conclude when eight (8) business hours have elapsed. For verification requests received by a prescriber during non-business hours, the calculation of “eight (8) business hours” shall begin at 9:00 a.m. on the next weekday that is not a federal holiday or, if applicable, on Saturday.
(6) “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” means a person or entity who sells contact lenses through electronic mail, the internet, alternative channels or other means, the United States Postal Service, or other common carrier to buyers within the State of Arkansas and is registered in the State of Arkansas.
(7) “Contact Lens Prescription” means a written order, as defined in Section 2, bearing the original signature of a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist that authorizes a contact lens prescription. Tinted contact lens that are sold for cosmetic purposes which are without power require a contact lens prescription.
(8) “Contact Lens Fitting” means the process that begins after the initial eye examination and ends when a successful fit has been achieved as determined by the examining optometrist or ophthalmologist. In the case of a renewal prescription, the fitting ends when the prescriber determines that no change in the existing prescription is required or a new fitting is completed after medically necessary follow-up examinations.
(9) “Direct Communication” means a completed direct communication through the telephone, facsimile, or electronic mail.
(10) “Issue date” means the date on which the patient receives a copy of the prescription at the completion of a contact lens fitting.
(11) “Contact
lens” means any contact lens for which State or Federal law requires
a prescription including tinted
Section 2 Contact Lens
Prescription
A contact lens prescription means a prescription issued in accordance with state and federal law that contains sufficient information for the complete and accurate filling of a prescription, including the following:
(1) Name of the patient;
(2) Date of the examination;
(3) Issue date and expiration date of the prescription;
(4) Name, license number, postal address, telephone number, facsimile telephone number, and original signature of the prescriber;
(5) Brand of lens, power, material or manufacturer, or both if needed;
(6) Base curve or appropriate designation;
(7) Diameter, when appropriate;
(8) In the case of a private label contact lens, name of manufacturer, trade name of private label brand, and, if applicable, trade name of equivalent brand name by the same manufacturer, but sold under the labels of other sellers;
(9) Number of lenses or refills permitted;
(10) The prescription may also include the diameter, axis, add power, cylinder,
peripheral curve, optical zone, and center thickness and any additional information necessary in order that the prescription be accurately filled.
Section 3 Release of
Contact Lens Prescription
(1) A contact lens prescription shall be given to the patient after the completion of the contact lens fitting whether or not it is requested by the patient.
(2) A prescriber shall, as directed by any person designated to act on behalf of the patient, provide or verify, as defined in Section 4, the contact lens prescription.
(3) Contact lens prescriptions shall expire one (1) year after the issue date unless there is a medical reason that warrants a prescription for less than one (1) year. The medical reasons for issuing a prescription for less than one year shall be documented in the patient’s medical record.
(4) The issue date means the date on which the patient receives a copy of the prescription. The patient cannot alter the issue date by requesting additional copies of the prescription after the issue date.
(5) A prescriber may require payment of fees for an eye examination, fitting, and evaluation before the release of a contact lens prescription, but only if the prescriber requires immediate payment in the case of an examination that reveals no requirement for ophthalmic goods. Presentation of proof of insurance coverage for that service shall be deemed to be a payment.
(6) When specialty or custom-made contact lenses are necessary to complete the fitting process, the prescriber may charge patients for such lenses as part of the cost of the fitting process and as such may condition the release of a contact lens prescription on payment of the fitting fee.
(7) A prescriber may not
(a) Require purchase of contact lenses from the prescriber or from another person as a condition of providing a copy of the prescription;
(b) Require a payment in addition to, or as part of, the fee for an eye examination, fitting, and evaluation as a condition of providing a copy of a prescription or verification of a prescription;
(c) Require the patient to sign a waiver or release as a condition of verifying or releasing a prescription.
(8) Any optometrist or ophthalmologist who releases a contact lens prescription in accordance with 17-90-108 (a)(2) shall not be liable for any damages for injury resulting from the purchasing, manufacturing, or dispensing of the contact lenses unless the contact lens seller and the contact lens prescriber are the same person.
Section 4 Verification of Contact Lens Prescription:
(1) Prescription Requirement - A “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” may sell contact lenses only in accordance with an unexpired contact lens prescription.
(a) presented to the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” by the patient or prescriber directly or by facsimile; or
(b) verified by direct communication.
(2) Record Requirement - A “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” shall maintain a complete detailed record for five (5) years of all direct communications with prescriber and buyer including:
(a) Date and time the request was made;
(b) Method of direct communication
(c) Persons involved listing the names of the individuals who participated in the communications with a telephone log.
(d) Communication details including copies of prescriptions received directly from a patient or prescriber
(1) Describing the information that the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” provided to the prescriber.
(2) Recording the date and time the conversation was completed.
(3) Indicating how the call was completed.
(4) Copies of the telephone bills must be retained by “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller.”
(e) Final outcome of the recommendations.
(3) Recordkeeping-Saturday business hours. A “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” that exercises its option to include a prescriber’s regular Saturday business hours in a time period for verification shall maintain a record of the prescriber’s regular business hours and the basis for the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” actual knowledge thereof. Such records shall be maintained for a period of not less than five (5) years. These records must be available for inspection by the Arkansas State Board of Optometry, its employees, and its representatives.
(4) Information for Verification - When seeking verification of a contact lens prescription, a “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” shall provide the prescriber with the following information:
(a) Patient’s full name, address, and phone number;
(b) Contact lens power, brand name, manufacturer, base curve or appropriate designation, diameter, and color when appropriate;
(c) Quantity of lenses ordered;
(d) Date and time of patient’s request;
(e) Date and time of verification request;
(f) Name of contact person at seller’s company, including toll-free facsimile and telephone number for optometrist and ophthalmologist verification usage.
(g) If the seller opts to include the prescriber’s regular business hours on Saturdays as “business hours” a clear statement of the prescriber’s regular Saturday business hours must be provided.
(5) (a) “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller’s” direct communication with the optometrist and ophthalmologist shall be made Monday through Friday, including Saturday (only if the prescriber is in his/her office on a regular basis) and excluding Sunday, and all Federal holidays (New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas).
(1) “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” may send one verification request per patient via direct communication to the prescriber. Unless a subsequent request contains additional or revised information, a “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” may not resend the same verification request to the prescriber.
(2) The rule does not expressly require the prescriber to notify the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” of an incomplete request.
(b) The prescribing optometrist or ophthalmologist shall have eight (8) business hours to verify the information in Section 2. The prescriber shall be allowed to respond that a prescription is “expired” without providing additional information to the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller.”
(c) A prescription is verified when one of the following occurs:
(1) The prescriber confirms the prescription is accurate by direct communication with the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller.”
(2) The prescriber informs the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” that the prescription is inaccurate and provides the accurate
prescription.
(3) The prescriber fails to communicate with the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” within eight (8) business hours. During these eight (8) hours, the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” shall provide a reasonable opportunity for the prescriber to communicate with the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” concerning the verification request.
(d) If the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” processes the contact lens order and the sale occurs prior to the end of the eight (8) hour verification period and does not confirm a valid prescription with the prescriber, the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” will be held in violation of 17-90-108 and 17-90-109.
(6) Invalid Prescription - If the prescriber informs a “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” before the deadline that the contact lens prescription is inaccurate, expired, or otherwise invalid, the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” shall not fill the prescription. The prescriber shall specify the basis for the inaccuracy or invalidity of the prescription. If the prescription communicated by the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” to the prescriber is inaccurate, the prescriber shall correct the prescription.
(7) No Alteration - A “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” may not alter a contact lens prescription. Tinted contact lenses shall be specifically prescribed for the patient as to brand, power, material, tint, and type of lens by the prescriber and shall not be changed or altered without a new prescription from the prescriber. Not withstanding the first sentence, if the same contact lens is manufactured by the same company but sold under multiple labels to individual providers, the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” may fill the prescription with an identical contact lens manufactured by that same company by sold under another label.
Section 5 Standards and Procedures for Licensed Optometrists in the
State of
Licensed
optometrists in the State of
Section 6 Prohibition of Certain Waivers
A prescriber may not place on the prescription, or require the patient to sign, or deliver to the patient a form or notice waiving or disclaiming the liability or responsibility of the prescriber for the accuracy of the eye examination. The preceding sentence does not impose liability on a prescriber for the ophthalmic goods and services dispensed by another seller pursuant to the prescriber’s correctly verified lenses.
Section 7 Mail Order
Contact Lens Seller
(1) Any “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” or any “Person” authorized to sell contact lenses in the State of Arkansas who fills a contact lens prescription bears the full responsibility for the accurate selling and dispensing of the contact lenses provided for in the contact lens prescription. At no time shall any changes or substitutions be made including brand, type of lenses, or ophthalmic parameters without the direction of the optometrist or ophthalmologist who issued the contact lens prescription except as provided in Section 4 subsection (7).
(2) A “Registered Mail
Order Contact Lens Seller” who fills, ships, mails, or delivers through
electronic mail, the internet, alternative channels, other means, or sells
contact lenses to a patient at an
(3) The Arkansas State Board
of Optometry shall require annual registration and payment of all applicable
fees required by the State Board of Optometry of all “Registered Mail
Order Contact Lens Sellers” outside the State of
(a) The “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” shall
register to do business in the State of
(b) The “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” will provide the name of the optometrist or ophthalmologist licensed in the state of the seller, who will supervise the sale of the contact lenses and the filling of the contact lens prescriptions, and further provide his or her address, phone number, and states where he/she is licensed, and providing proof of current licensure standing in that state.
(c) The “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller’s” location, names, and titles of all owners, partners, corporate officers, and the optometrist or ophthalmologist who is responsible for overseeing the selling and dispensing of the contact lenses to residents of the state of Arkansas.
(d) The payment of an annual registration fee of $1,000 for each “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Sellers”
(e) The completion of an application form for registration by the “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller.”
(4) The “Registered Mail Order Contact Lens Seller” shall comply with