216-RICR-40-05-20
216-RICR-40-05-20. Optometrists (version Amendment, 12/10/2012 to 07/12/2018)
RULES AND REGULATIONS
PERTAINING TO OPTOMETRISTS
(R5-35.1-OPT)
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
Department of Health
January 1964
As Amended:
January 1974
August 1999
January 1983
November 2001
June 1987
June 1987 (E)
January 2002 (re-filing in accordance
with the provisions of section 42-35-4.1 of
the Rhode Island General Laws, as
amended)
October 1987 (E)
March 2003
January 1988 (E)
March 1988
January 2007 (re-filing in accordance
with the provisions of section 42-35-4.1 of
the Rhode Island General Laws, as
amended)
December 1989
September 2007
February 1990
December 2007
May 1992
January 2009
September 1993
November 1993
January 2012 (re-filing in accordance
with the provisions of section 42-35-4.1 of
the Rhode Island General Laws, as
amended)
September 2012
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INTRODUCTION
These Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Optometrists (R5-35-OPT) are promulgated pursuant
to the authority conferred under section 5-35.1-22 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended,
and are established for the purpose of adopting prevailing standards for the licensure of optometrists in
Rhode Island.
In accordance with the provisions of section 42-35-3 (c) of the General Laws of Rhode Island,
as amended, consideration was given in arriving at the amendments as to: (1) alternative approaches to
the regulations; and (2) duplication or overlap with other state regulations. Based on the available
information, no known alternative approach, duplication or overlap was identified.
These rules and regulations shall supersede any previous Rules and Regulations Pertaining to
Optometrists promulgated by the Department of Health and filed with the Secretary of State.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
Definitions
1
1.0
Definitions
PART II
Licensure And Certification Requirements/ Optometrists
3
2.0
License and Certification Requirements
3
3.0
Qualifications for Licensure and Certification
3
4.0
Application/Fee
5
5.0
Examinations
6
6.0
Issuance and Renewal of License
6
7.0
Continuing Education
7
8.0
Practice of Optometry
8
Scope of Medications
8
Electronic Prescribing Standards
10
9.0
Denial, Suspension and Revocation of License and Certification
11
PART III
Advertising, Sanctions, Practices And Procedures, Severability
13
10.0
Advertising
13
11.0
Sanctions/Violations
13
12.0
Practices and Procedures
13
13.0
Severability
13
References
14
1
PART I Definitions
Section 1.0 Definitions
Wherever used in these rules and regulations, the following terms shall be construed to mean:
1.1
"Act" means Chapter 5-35 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended, entitled
"Optometrists."
1.2
"Amplified optometrist" means an optometrist licensed in this state to practice optometry and
authorized by the Board to administer and prescribe pharmaceutical agents in the treatment of
conditions of the human eye and its appendages, including anterior uveitis and glaucoma,
without surgery or other invasive techniques, and in accordance with the Act and the
requirements herein.
1.3
"Board" means the Board of Optometry established under the provisions of section 5-35.1-13
of the Act.
1.4
"Certified optometrist" means an optometrist licensed in this state to practice optometry and
authorized by the Board to administer and prescribe topical ocular pharmaceutical agents in the
treatment of ocular conditions of the anterior segment of the human eye and its appendages,
(with the exception of uveitis and glaucoma) without surgery or other invasive techniques, and
in accordance with the requirements of the Act and the regulations herein.
1.5
“Department” means the Rhode Island Department of Health.
1.6
"Director" means the Director, Rhode Island Department of Health.
1.7
Electronic signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically
associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.
1.8
“Electronic transmission prescription” means any prescription, other than an oral or written
prescription, that is electronically transmitted from an optometrist authorized to prescribe to a
pharmacy without alteration by a third party unless authorized by the optometrist or from one
pharmacy to another pharmacy.
1.9
“Facsimile (FAX) prescription” means a written prescription or order that is transmitted by an
electronic device that sends the exact image to the receiver (pharmacy) in a hard copy form.
1.10
"Optometrist" means an individual licensed in this state to practice optometry pursuant to the
provisions of Chapter 5-35 of the General Laws and the rules and regulations herein.
1.11
“Optometry” means the profession whose practitioners are engaged in the art and science of the
evaluation of vision and the examination of vision and the examination and refraction of the
human eye which includes: the employment of any objective or subjective means for the
examination of the human eye or its appendages; the measurement of the powers or range of
human vision or the determination of the accommodative and refractive powers of the human
eye or the scope of its functions in general and the adaptation of lenses, prisms, and/or frames
for the aid thereof; the prescribing, directing the use of or administering ocular exercises, visual
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training, vision training, or orthoptics, and the use of any optical device in connection with
these; the prescribing of contact lenses for, or the fitting or adaptation of contact lenses to the
human eye; the examination or diagnosis of the human eye to ascertain the presence of
abnormal conditions or functions; and the application of pharmaceutical agents to the eye.
Provided, however, that no optometrist licensed in this state shall perform any surgery for the
purpose of detecting any diseased or pathological condition of the eye. With respect to presently
licensed optometrists, only presently licensed optometrists who: (1) have satisfactorily
completed a course in pharmacology, as it applies to optometry, at an institution accredited by a
regional, professional, or academic accreditation organization which is recognized by a
national commission on accreditation, such as the Accreditation Council on Optometric
Education (ACOE), with particular emphasis on the application of drugs to the eye for the
purposes of detecting any diseased or pathological condition of the eye; or the effects of any
disease or pathological condition of the eye, approved by the Board of Optometry and the
Department; or (2)(i) have successfully passed all sections of the National Board of Examiners
in Optometry (NBEO) examination; and (ii) the treatment and management of ocular disease
(TMOD) examination shall be permitted to apply pharmaceutical agents to the eye for the
purpose of detecting any diseased or pathological condition of the eye, or the effects of any
disease or pathological condition of the eye.
1.12
"Pharmaceutical agents" means any medications as determined by the Department, except
those specified in schedules I and II as provided in Chapter 21-28 of the Rhode Island General
Laws, as amended.
1.13
“Vision training”, as referenced in section 1.11 herein, includes:
a)
“Vision therapy” means the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of
treatment for conditions of the visual system or management of a patient with vision
therapy, visual training, visual rehabilitation, orthopics or eye exercises. Anyone who
holds him/herself out as being able to do so for the rehabilitation and/or treatment of
physical, physiological, sensorimotor, neuromuscular or perceptual anomalies of the
eyes or vision system or who prescribes or utilizes lenses, prisms, filters, occlusion, or
other devices for the enhancement, rehabilitation and/or treatment of the visual system
or prevention of visual dysfunctions, except under the supervision and management of a
licensed optometrist, is engaged in the practice of optometry.
b)
“Low vision rehabilitation” means the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of the
low vision patient, including but not limited to, prescription, low vision rehabilitation
therapy, education and interdisciplinary consultation when indicated. Any person who
prescribes or provides comprehensive low vision care for the rehabilitation and/or
treatment of the visually impaired or legally blind patient, prescribes corrective
spectacles, contact lenses, prisms, or filters, employs any means for the adaptation of
lenses, low vision devices, prisms, filters, evaluates the need for, recommends, or
prescribes optical, electronic or other low vision devices; or recommends or provides
low vision rehabilitation services independent of a clinical treatment plan prescribed by
an optometrist or ophthalmologist shall be considered to be engaged in the practice of
optometry.
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PART II Licensure and Certification Requirements for Optometrists
Section 2.0 Licensure and Certification Requirements
2.1
Any person practicing or offering to practice optometry in this state must be licensed as an
optometrist in Rhode Island in accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements
herein.
2.1.1 Furthermore, optometrists licensed in this state who desire to administer and prescribe
pharmaceutical agents in the treatment of ocular conditions of the human eye and its
appendages, without the use of surgery or other invasive techniques, must be certified
by the Board in accordance with the requirements herein. Provided, however, that as of
March 20, 1997, individuals who are licensed and certified to prescribe certain topical
therapeutic pharmaceutical agents may continue to prescribe said medications in
accordance with that certification; and those individuals who hold diagnostic
pharmaceutical privileges as of March 20, 1997, may continue to exercise those
privileges.
2.2
Any optometrist who utilizes latex gloves shall do so in accordance with the provisions of the
Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Use of Latex Gloves by Health Care Workers, in
Licensed Health Care Facilities, and by Other Persons, Firms, or Corporations Licensed or
Registered by the Department promulgated by the Department of Health.
Pain Assessment
2.3
All health care providers licensed by this state to provide health care services and all health care
facilities licensed under Chapter 23-17 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended, shall
assess patient pain in accordance with the requirements of the Rules and Regulations Related
to Pain Assessment (R5-37.6-PAIN) promulgated by the Department.
Section 3.0 Qualifications For Licensure and Certification
Basic Licensure Requirements
3.1
An applicant seeking licensure to practice optometry in this state must:
a)
be of good moral character;
b)
be not less than eighteen (18) years of age;
c)
have graduated from a school or college of optometry which maintains a course in
optometry of no less than four (4) years and approved by the Accreditation Council on
Optometric Education (ACOE) or other accrediting body as approved by the Board;
d)
have successfully passed all sections of the National Board Examination;
e)
Candidates seeking initial licensure in Rhode Island must be certified in the use of
therapeutic pharmaceuticals in accordance with the requirements of section 5-35.1-1 (7)
of the General Laws, and have successfully completed the educational and certification
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requirements related to the amplification of privileges to treat anterior uveitis and
glaucoma of section 3.2 herein.
Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Requirements Related to Amplification of Privileges to Treat Anterior
Uveitis and Glaucoma
3.2
All applicants for initial licensure or any licensed applicant who seek certification to use all
therapeutic pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of conditions of the human eye and its
appendages including, but not limited to, the removal of superficial foreign bodies from the eye
and the treatment of the diseases of anterior uveitis and glaucoma, without the use of surgery or
other invasive techniques, shall have successfully completed the International Association of
Boards of Optometry examination in "The Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease"
administered after January 1, 1999.
Sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 apply to optometrists who have graduated from a college of optometry prior
to January 1, 2007:
3.2.1 Upon successful completion of the written National Board of Examiners in Optometry
(NBEO) examination, in "The Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease"
administered after January 1, 1999, a duly licensed optometrist may prescribe all such
pharmaceuticals exclusive of those used in the treatment of glaucoma. Prescriptive
privileges for those pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of glaucoma will commence
upon completion of subsection 3.2.2 (below) and acceptance of such by the Board.
3.2.1.1 Submit a completed form for each patient providing evidence that the
applicant has performed written consultations which satisfy the following
requirements:
i)
The applicant has consulted with an ophthalmologist or optometrist with
amplified privileges to treat glaucoma, who is licensed in good standing,
and who has been treating glaucoma for no less than three (3) years
regarding no less than twenty (20) glaucoma-related patients and the
ophthalmologist or optometrist with amplified privileges to treat
glaucoma, who is licensed in good standing, and who has been treating
glaucoma for no less than three (3) years has provided written
confirmation of this consultation.
ii)
Up to ten (10) of these glaucoma-related patients may have been
diagnosed as glaucoma-related up to one (1) year prior to completion of
the requirements in subsection 3.2.1 above. All twenty (20) glaucoma-
related patients shall be followed for a minimum of one (1) year or until
the patient is stabilized (i.e., symptoms controlled, vision loss arrested,
medication changes not required) whichever is longer; and
iii)
For each glaucoma-related patient, the applicant shall develop, in
consultation with the ophthalmologist or optometrist with amplified
privileges to treat glaucoma, who is licensed in good standing, and who
has been treating glaucoma for no less than three (3) years the following:
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A)
A confirmatory evaluation and diagnosis by the ophthalmologist
or optometrist with amplified privileges to treat glaucoma, who
is licensed in good standing, and who has been treating
glaucoma for no less than three (3) years;
B)
A written plan for diagnostic workup for each patient. This
workup shall be in accordance with the prevailing community
standard of care; and
C)
A treatment plan for each patient which shall take into account
the assessment of the optic nerve, the level of the intraocular
pressure, and stability of the clinical course.
iv)
The methodology of consultation required in sections 3.2.1.1 (i) and
3.2.1.1 (ii) shall be left to the professional discretion of the
ophthalmologist or optometrist with amplified privileges to treat
glaucoma, who is licensed in good standing, and who has been treating
glaucoma for no less than three (3) years and the applicant; provided,
however, the applicant may submit to the Board of Examiners in
Optometry the completed form once the patient has reached the agreed
upon treatment plan (including target pressure and compliance with
medications).
Section 4.0 Application for License, Certification and Fees
Licensure Application
4.1
Application for licensure shall be made on forms provided by the Department, which shall be
completed, notarized and submitted to the Department. Such application shall be accompanied
by the following documents:
a)
a recent identification passport-type photograph of the applicant, approximately 2 x 2
inches in size;
b)
if by endorsement, a statement from the board of examiners in optometry in each state
in which the applicant has held or holds licensure to be submitted to the Board of this
state attesting to the licensure status of the applicant during the time period the applicant
held licensure in said state;
c)
supporting certified transcripts of education credentials as required in section 3.1 herein.
Such documentation must consist of original statements and/or photocopies bearing the
signature of the dean or registrar and the imprint of the school seal;
d)
the results of the written National Board Examination submitted directly to the Board by
the National Board;
e)
the application fee as set forth in the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Fee
Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the
Department of Health; and
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f)
such other information as the Board and/or Department may deem necessary.
Section 5.0 Examinations
Examinations For Licensure
5.1
Applicants for licensure to practice optometry shall be required to successfully complete all
parts and all sections of the National Board Examination of the National Board of Examiners in
Optometry (NBEO) in order to test the applicant's knowledge and skills to practice optometry
in this state pursuant to the statutory and regulatory requirements herein.
Licensure by Endorsement
5.2
A license to practice optometry may be issued without examination to an applicant who has
been duly licensed by examination as an optometrist under the laws of another state or
jurisdiction provided:
a)
the applicant meets the qualifications to practice optometry in this state in accordance
with section 3.0 herein;
b)
that such state accords a like privilege to holders of licenses issued in this state and the
applicant has not failed to pass the exam required in this state; and
c)
the applicant submits the license application form with supporting certified
documentation of credentials and application fee as set forth in the Rules and
Regulations Pertaining to the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and
Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health.
Section 6.0
Issuance and Renewal of License and Fee
6.1
Upon completion of the aforementioned requirements, the Director may issue a license to those
applicants found to have satisfactorily met all the requirements herein. Said license and/or
certification shall expire annually on the 31st day of January, unless sooner suspended or
revoked.
6.2
On or before the 31st day of December of each year, the Department shall mail an application
for renewal of license to each person to whom a license has been issued or renewed during the
current year. Every person licensed who intends to practice optometry during the ensuing year
shall file a renewal application duly executed together with the renewal fee for licensure as set
forth in the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and
Administrative Services Provided by the Department of Health on or before the 31st day of
January in each year.
6.3
Upon receipt of a renewal application accompanied by evidence of completion of the prescribed
continuing education program requirements as set forth in section 7.0 herein, including
payment of fee, the accuracy of the application shall be verified and license shall be granted
effective 1 February of that year.
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6.4
In case of neglect or refusal to pay, said Department may revoke or suspend such license
provided, however, that no license shall be so suspended or revoked without first giving sixty
(60) days notice in each such case of neglect or refusal and within such period any such optom-
etrist shall have the right to receive a renewal of such license on payment of the renewal fee,
together with an added penalty as set forth in the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Fee
Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the Department of
Health.
6.5
Retirement from practice for a period not exceeding five (5) years shall not deprive the holder
of a license of the right to renew such license upon payment of all annual renewal fees
remaining unpaid, and a further fee as set forth in the Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the
Fee Structure for Licensing, Laboratory and Administrative Services Provided by the
Department of Health.
Section 7.0 Continuing Education
For Re-Licensure for those Optometrists with Amplified Therapeutic Privileges:
7.1
Every optometrist licensed to practice optometry with amplified therapeutic privileges in this
state under the provisions of the Act and these rules and regulations herein shall on or before the
31st day of January of every year attest to the Board that he/she possesses satisfactory evidence
of having completed in the preceding calendar year, no less than twenty (20) hours of
continuing education in optometry or other related health field, in course(s) that shall include
ten (10) or more hours of approved courses in pharmacology for the treatment and management
of ocular conditions of the eye offered, sponsored, or administered by any of the following
organizations:
American Optometric Association and its affiliated associations;
Schools/colleges of optometry;
Any course approved by the Council on Optometric Practitioners Education
(COPE);
American Academy of Ophthalmology – Category I;
All courses that meet the requirements of eligibility for Category I of the
American Optometric Association Optometric Recognition Award;
American Academy of Optometry;
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE);
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
For Re-Licensure for those Optometrists without Amplified Therapeutic Privileges:
7.2
Optometrists licensed to practice optometry without therapeutic privileges must show evidence
of sixteen (16) hours of continuing education in optometry or other related health fields in the
calendar year preceding the most recent license renewal.
7.3
The Board may waive the continuing education requirement in specific circumstances for due
cause such as hardship or for any sufficient reason, if satisfactory evidence is submitted to the
Board to that effect.
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7.4
Optometrists initially licensed after the February 1st renewal date shall be exempt from the
continuing education requirements stated herein until the date of the next renewal cycle (i.e.,
January 31st of the next year).
7.5
It shall be the sole responsibility of the individual optometrist to obtain documentation from the
recognized sponsoring or co-sponsoring organizations, agencies or other, of his or her
participation in the learning experience and the number of dated credits earned. Furthermore, it
shall be the sole responsibility of the individual to safeguard the documents for review by the
Board, if required. These documents shall be retained by each licensee for no less than two (2)
years and are subject to random audit by the Department.
Section 8.0
Practice of Optometry
8.1
Pursuant to section 3.2 herein, optometrists with amplified privileges, as defined in section 1.2
herein, may:
a)
remove superficial foreign bodies from the conjunctiva, lid and cornea without surgery
or other invasive techniques; and
b)
administer and prescribe pharmaceutical agents as provided herein for the treatment of
ocular conditions of the human eye and its appendages without surgery or other invasive
techniques, and in accordance with the prevailing standards of practice as those of duly
licensed physicians providing similar services.
c)
Treatment of glaucoma shall exclude treatment of infantile and congenital glaucoma.
Treatment of acute angle closure glaucoma shall be limited to initiation of immediate
emergency care.
Scope of Medications
Optometrists Without Amplified Therapeutic Privileges
8.2
Medications which may be used by certified optometrists qualified to administer and prescribe
topical therapeutic pharmaceutical agents in the treatment of conditions of the human eye and
its appendages but not holding amplified privileges in accordance with section 3.2 herein,
include topical medication (mast cell inhibitors or stabilizers), lubricants, decongestants,
mucolytics, antibiotics, and steroids with a clinical potency not exceeding 1/4% methyl-
prednisolone or equivalent.
Optometrists With Amplified Therapeutic Privileges
8.3
Optometrists authorized by the Board as having amplified privileges, in accordance with section
3.2 herein, may utilize all pharmaceutical agents in the treatment of conditions of the human eye
and its appendages, including anterior uveitis and glaucoma, without surgery or other invasive
techniques, and in accordance with the requirements herein.
Scheduled Medications
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8.3.1 Every optometrist licensed to practice optometry with amplified therapeutic privileges
in this state may prescribe oral pharmaceutical agents, including oral steroids and
narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics, within the scope of the optometrist's practice, and
in accordance with the following:
A prescription for oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories shall not exceed one seven-
day supply;
A prescription for oral steroids shall not exceed one seven-day supply;
A prescription for any controlled substance listed in schedules III—V of Chapter 21-28
of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended, shall not exceed one 72-hour supply.
8.3.2 No optometrist shall deliver any medication by injection.
8.3.3 In order to prescribe any controlled substance listed in Chapter 21-28 of the Rhode
Island General Laws, a licensed optometrist shall:
8.3.3.1 Obtain a state registration for prescribing controlled substances by completing
the application for registration, and submitting it with its specified filing fee to:
Rhode Island Department of Health, Pharmacy Unit
Three Capitol Hill, Room 205
Providence, RI 02908-5097
8.3.3.2 Obtain a federal registration for controlled substances by completing
application form DEA-224, or its successor form, and submitting it with its
specified filing fee.
8.3.3.3 The Director will determine whether issuance of a registration is consistent
with the public interest, and may refuse registration where the issuance of said
registration would be inconsistent with the public interest, according to the
provisions of Chapter 21-28 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended.
Minimum/Initial Examination of New Patients
8.4 Pursuant to section 5-35.1-16 of the Act, every person practicing optometry shall perform an
examination of the patient that is in accordance with the prevailing community standard of care,
and record same in the patient’s medical record.
Minimum Equipment for Optometric Practice
8.5 At any location where an optometrist practices his or her profession, an optometrist shall have any
equipment that a reasonable and prudent person practicing optometry would have available in
order to meet the needs of his/her patients.
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Spectacle or Eyeglass Prescriptions
8.6 A spectacle prescription shall contain all of the information necessary for the accurate fabrication,
fitting and dispensing of the spectacles (eyeglasses). All spectacle prescriptions shall be in
accordance with the requirements of the Federal Trade Commission’s “Ophthalmic Practice Rules”
of reference 1 herein.
8.7 A contact lens prescription shall contain all of the information necessary for the accurate fitting
and dispensing of the contact lens. All such prescriptions shall be in accordance with the
requirements of the Federal Trade Commission’s “Contact Lens Rule” of reference 2 herein.
Electronic Prescribing Standards
8.8
Optometrists shall be required to adhere to electronic prescribing standards within thirty
(30) months of receiving prescriptive authority as defined in subsection 5-35.1-12(a) of the
Rhode Island General Laws, as amended, and section 8.0 herein.
8.9
Electronic prescribing standards shall include the following:
8.9.1
Technological devices for the transmission or communication of prescriptions between
optometrists and pharmacists may be used in accordance with the following
requirements:
a)
The transmission of prescriptions for controlled substances shall be in compliance
with the provisions of Chapters 21-28 ("Controlled Substances Act") and 5-37.3
("Confidentiality of Health Care Information Act") of the General Laws of Rhode
Island, as amended, and all other applicable federal and state laws;
1. In compliance with federal requirements, the transmission of prescriptions for
controlled substances by technological devices shall consist of a copy of the
original prescription that has been signed by the optometrist.
2. In compliance with federal requirements, an electronic signature by the
optometrist for controlled substance prescriptions is prohibited.
b) Unless otherwise prohibited by law, prescriptions may be transmitted by
electronic means or facsimile from the optometrist to the dispensing pharmacy.
The facsimile copy of the prescription may serve as the hard copy of the
prescription in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 21-28 of the Rhode
Island General Laws, as amended.
c)
In addition to all other information required to be included on a prescription, an
electronically transmitted prescription and facsimile prescriptions shall include the
date of transmission, and the identity of the receiving pharmacy.
d)
The patient shall have the right to choose the manner in which his/her prescription
is transmitted to the pharmacy.
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e)
The patient shall have the right to choose the pharmacy to which his/her
prescription is transferred.
f)
Technological devices shall not be used to circumvent documentation,
verification, or any provisions of Chapter 5-19.1 of the General Laws of Rhode
Island, as amended. Neither shall they be used to commit any other action that
may be deemed unprofessional conduct.
Section 9.0
Denial, Suspension or Revocation of License and/or Certification
9.1
In addition to any and all other remedies provided in the Act, pursuant to section 5-35.1-18 of
the Act, the Director may, after due notice and hearing, as provided in the Act and section 11.0
herein, refuse to grant, refuse to renew, suspend or revoke any license and/or certification
provided for in the Act to any person who is guilty of unprofessional conduct or conduct of a
character likely to deceive or defraud the public or for any fraud or deception committed in
obtaining such license or certification. Unprofessional conduct is defined as including, but is not
limited to, the following:
a)
Conviction of felony or any crime or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude as
evidenced by a certified copy of the record of the court convicting;
b)
Conviction of one or more of the offenses set forth in section 23-17-37 of the Rhode
Island General Laws, as amended;
c)
Knowingly placing the health of a client at serious risk without maintaining proper
precautions;
d)
Advertising by means of false or deceptive statements;
e)
The use of drugs or alcohol to an extent that impairs the person's ability to properly
engage in the profession;
f)
The use of any false or fraudulent statement in any document connected with his or her
practice;
g)
The obtaining of any fee by fraud or willful misrepresentation of any kind either to a
patient or insurance plan;
h)
Knowingly performing any act which in any way aids or assists an unlicensed person to
practice in violation of the Act;
i)
Violating or attempting to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisting in, or abetting, the
violation of, or conspiring to violate, any of the provisions of this chapter or regulations
previously or hereafter issued pursuant to the Act;
j)
Incompetence;
k)
Repeated acts of gross misconduct;
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l)
An optometrist providing services to a person who is making a claim as a result of a
personal injury, who charges or collects from the person any amount in excess of the
reimbursement to the optometrist by the insurer as a condition of providing or
continuing to provide services or treatment; and/or
m)
Failure to conform to acceptable and prevailing community standard of optometric
practice;
n)
Advertising by written or spoken words of a character tending to deceive or mislead
the public;
o)
Practicing his or her profession under any oral or written contract, arrangement or
understanding where anyone, not licensed to practice optometry in this state shares,
directly or indirectly, in any fees received by that licensed optometrist;
p)
Grave and repeated misuse of any ocular pharmaceutical agent; or
q)
The use of any agent or procedure in the course of optometric practice by an
optometrist not properly authorized under the Act.
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PART III Advertising, Violations, Practices, Procedures and Severability
Section 10.0 Advertising
10.1
Pursuant to section 5-35.1-9(2)(ii) of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended, no
optometrist licensed by and practicing in this state shall advertise by written or spoken word of
a character tending to deceive or mislead the public.
10.2
An optometrist who holds him/herself out to be a specialist in a specific field of optometry
practice shall include a statement in all advertisements that reads as follows, "The Rhode Island
Department of Health licenses all optometrists in the general practice of optometry. The
Department does not license or certify any optometrist as an expert or specialist in any field of
practice."
10.3
In addition to section 10.1 herein any and all advertising conducted by any optometrist shall
conform to the provisions of Chapter 6-13.1 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended,
entitled "Deceptive Trade Practices Act."
10.4
Any person practicing pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 5-35.1 of the General Laws of
Rhode Island, as amended, shall be required to post his name on the premises where the services
are being offered in such a manner as to be clearly visible to the public at the entrance to the
premises and on any sign visible outside of the premises which offers the delivery of optometric
services.
10.5
Advertisement of any type (electronic or print media) shall also include the name(s) and
address(es) of the responsible optometrist(s).
Section 11.0 Violations
11.1
Any violations of the statutory and regulatory requirements herein shall be subject to the statut-
ory sanctions as set forth in section 5-35.1-20 of the Act and provides that any person who
violates the provisions of the Act is punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars
($200) or is imprisoned for not more than three (3) months for each offense.
Section 12.0 Rules Governing Practices and Procedures
12.1
All hearings and reviews required under the provisions of the Act shall be held in accordance
with the provisions of the Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Department of Health
Regarding Practices and Procedures Before the Department of Health and Access to Public
Records of the Department of Health (R42-35-PP).
Section 13.0 Severability
13.1
If any provision of these rules and regulations or the application thereof to any individual or
circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the provisions or application
of the regulations which can be given effect, and to this end the provisions of the regulations are
declared to be severable.
14
References
1.
Federal Trade Commission, “Ophthalmic Practice Rules,” Title 16 Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 456, May 1, 1992 and subsequent amendments thereto.
Available online: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr456_03.html
and related statute: 15 United States Code 57a; 5 U.S.C. 552.
2.
Federal Trade Commission, “The Contact Lens Rule,” Title 16 Code of Federal
Regulations, Part 315, July 2, 2004 and subsequent amendments thereto.
Available online: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/16cfr315_05.html
and related statute: 15 United States Code 7601--7610.
3.
Chapter 21-28 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended, “Uniform Controlled Substances
Act.” Available online: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE21/21-28/INDEX.HTM
4.
Rules and Regulations Related to Pain Assessment (R5-37.6-PAIN), Rhode Island Department
of Health, May 2003 and subsequent amendments thereto. Available online:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/dar/regdocs/released/pdf/DOH/DOH_2531.pdf
5.
Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Use of Latex Gloves by Health Care Workers, in
Licensed Health Care Facilities, and by Other Persons, Firms, or Corporations Licensed or
Registered by the Department (R23-73-LAT), Rhode Island Department of Health, May 2002
and subsequent amendments thereto. Available online:
http://www2.sec.state.ri.us/dar/regdocs/released/pdf/DOH/DOH_2008_.pdf
Optometry_Final_Sept2012.doc
Monday, 17 September 2012