Source: http://dentisty.org/title-32-professions-and-occupations-chapter-34-a-optometrists.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 00:52:56+00:00

Document:
E. The replacement or duplication of an ophthalmic lens without a written prescription from an individual licensed under the laws of this State to practice either optometry or medicine.
Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prevent an optical mechanic from doing the merely mechanical work associated with adapting, fitting, bending, adjusting, replacing or duplicating of eyeglasses with ophthalmic lenses.
2. Optometrist. "Optometrist" means an individual who has obtained a license to practice optometry in the State.
3. Pharmaceutical agent. "Pharmaceutical agent" means any diagnostic and therapeutic substances for use in the diagnosis, cure, treatment, management or prevention of ocular conditions and diseases, but does not include drugs administered exclusively by injection, except injections for the emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock.
4. Diagnostic pharmaceuticals. "Diagnostic pharmaceuticals" means those pharmaceutical agents required to detect and diagnose an abnormal condition or eye disease.
5. Therapeutic pharmaceuticals. "Therapeutic pharmaceuticals" means those pharmaceutical agents required to prevent, manage or treat abnormal ocular conditions or diseases.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, an optometrist may dispense, prescribe and administer nonlegend agents.
6. Contact lens. "Contact lens" means any lens placed directly on the surface of the eye, regardless of whether it is intended to correct a visual defect. "Contact lens" includes, but is not limited to, cosmetic, therapeutic and corrective lenses.
7. Dispense. "Dispense" means the act of furnishing a pair of ophthalmic or contact lenses to a patient.
8. Eye examination. "Eye examination" means an assessment of the ocular health and visual status of a patient that does not consist solely of objective refractive data or information generated by an automated testing device, including an autorefractor, in order to establish a medical diagnosis or for the determination of a refractive error.
9. Kiosk. "Kiosk" means automated equipment or an application designed to be used on a phone, computer or Internet-based device that can be used either in person or remotely to provide refractive data or information.
10. Ophthalmic lens. "Ophthalmic lens" means an optical instrument or device worn or used by an individual that has one or more lenses designed to correct or enhance vision addressing the visual needs of the individual wearer and commonly known as glasses or spectacles, including ophthalmic lenses that may be adjusted by the wearer to achieve different types or levels of visual correction or enhancement. "Ophthalmic lens" does not include an optical instrument or device not intended to correct or enhance vision or that is sold without consideration of the visual status of the individual who will use the optical instrument or device.
11. Provider. "Provider" means an individual licensed as an optometrist under this chapter or an individual licensed as an osteopathic or medical doctor under chapter 36 or 48, respectively, who has also completed a residency in ophthalmology.
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1975, c. 293, §4 (AMD). 1975, c. 563, §1 (RPR). 1985, c. 748, §42 (AMD). 1987, c. 542, §§K2-K5,K20 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §§A142,143 (AMD). 1995, c. 439, §§1-4 (AMD). 1995, c. 439, §8 (AFF). 1995, c. 606, §1 (AMD). 2009, c. 195, §§1-3 (AMD). 2015, c. 173, §1 (AMD).
1987, c. 542, §§K6,K20 (NEW).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1975, c. 771, §354 (AMD). 1983, c. 812, §220 (AMD). 1989, c. 503, §B136 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A144 (AMD). 1995, c. 606, §2 (AMD). 2007, c. 695, Pt. B, §10 (AMD).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1983, c. 812, §221 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A145 (AMD). 1999, c. 607, §1 (AMD).
Upon satisfying these requirements, an applicant may be licensed by the board.
Each optometrist shall maintain a complete record of all eye examinations given. Each optometrist shall include in the examination record the findings under paragraphs A through F, as well as any prescriptions or programs of corrective procedure. This information for each patient must be available from the optometrist for a period of not less than 10 years.
4. Minimum prescription requirements. The following are the minimum requirements for optometric prescriptions.
(8) The prescriber's directions for usage.
4-A. Release of contact lens prescription. After contact lenses have been adequately fitted and the patient released from immediate follow-up care by the optometrist, the patient may request a copy of the contact lens specifications from the optometrist. Upon patient request, the optometrist shall provide a copy of the prescription, at no cost, which must contain the information necessary to properly duplicate the current prescription. The contact lens prescription must contain an expiration date not to exceed 24 months from the date of issue. The prescription may contain fitting guidelines and may also contain specific instructions for use by the patient.
The prescribing optometrist is not liable for an injury or condition to a patient that results from negligence in packaging, manufacturing or dispensing lenses by anyone other than the prescribing optometrist.
The dispensing party may dispense contact lenses only upon receipt of a written prescription, except that an optometrist may fill a prescription of another optometrist or a physician without a copy of the prescription. Mail order contact lens suppliers must be licensed by and register with the Board of Commissioners of the Profession of Pharmacy pursuant to section 13751, subsection 3-A and are subject to discipline by that board for violations of that board's rules and the laws governing the board. An individual who fills a contact lens prescription shall maintain a file of that prescription for a period of 5 years. An individual, corporation or other entity, other than a mail order contact lens supplier, that improperly fills a contact lens prescription or fills an expired prescription commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 may be adjudged.
An individual may file a complaint with the board seeking disciplinary action concerning violations of this subsection. The board shall investigate or cause to be investigated and shall resolve a complaint in a timely fashion on its own motion or upon receipt of a written complaint. The board shall conduct its actions in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act.
The board may make other reasonable rules, in accordance with Title 5, sections 8051 to 8059, as necessary for the proper performance of its duties, including rules relating to false, deceptive and misleading advertising. Rules adopted relating to such advertising may not be inconsistent with any rules adopted pursuant to Title 5, section 207, subsection 2.
6. Determination of the scope of the practice of optometry.
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1977, c. 458, §4B (AMD). 1977, c. 694, §§594,595 (AMD). 1983, c. 378, §§24,25 (AMD). 1987, c. 542, §§K7,K8,K20 (AMD). 1991, c. 675, §1 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A146 (AMD). 1995, c. 439, §5 (AMD). 1995, c. 439, §8 (AFF). 1995, c. 606, §3 (AMD). 1995, c. 606, §11 (AFF). 1997, c. 117, §1 (AMD). 2009, c. 195, §§4, 5 (AMD). 2015, c. 173, §2 (AMD).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1977, c. 604, §22 (RPR). 1985, c. 748, §42 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A147 (AMD). 1993, c. 659, §B10 (AMD). 1995, c. 462, §A58 (AMD).
1977, c. 604, §23 (NEW). 1985, c. 748, §42 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A148 (AMD). 1993, c. 659, §B11 (AMD). 1995, c. 462, §A59 (RPR).
1991, c. 675, §2 (NEW). 1993, c. 600, §A149 (RP).
1975, c. 563, §2 (NEW). 1983, c. 378, §26 (AMD). 1987, c. 542, §§K9,K20 (RP).
1987, c. 542, §§K10,K20 (NEW). 1993, c. 600, §A150 (AMD). 1995, c. 606, §4 (RP).
1995, c. 606, §5 (NEW). 1997, c. 117, §2 (AMD). 1997, c. 245, §19 (AMD).
1. Licensure required. An individual may not practice optometry in this State without first obtaining a license from the board, but this chapter does not apply to individuals already licensed to practice medicine within this State.
2. Penalty. An individual who practices optometry in violation of subsection 1 commits a Class E crime. The State may bring action in Superior Court to enjoin an individual from violating subsection 1 regardless of whether proceedings have been or may be instituted in District Court and regardless of the status of criminal proceedings.
3. Operation of kiosks. The following provisions govern the operation of kiosks.
B. In addition to the enforcement actions available to the board under section 2431-A, the board has the following powers of enforcement for violations of this chapter that relate in any way to kiosks, their use or the issuance of prescriptions arising out of their use. Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to apply to enforcement for violations by physicians who are governed by the Board of Licensure in Medicine or the Board of Osteopathic Licensure.
(1) A person or governmental entity that believes a violation of this chapter in relation to a kiosk has occurred or has been attempted may make an allegation of that fact to the board in writing.
(2) If, upon reviewing an allegation under subparagraph (1), the board determines there is a reasonable basis to believe a violation of this chapter or attempted violation of this chapter has occurred in relation to a kiosk, its use or the issuance of a prescription arising out of kiosk use, the board shall investigate.
(3) The board may hold adjudicatory hearings and administer oaths and order testimony to be taken at a hearing or by deposition conducted pursuant to Title 5, sections 9051 to 10005.
(4) The board may proceed with an action if the board determines that a violation in relation to a kiosk, its use or the issuance of a prescription arising out of kiosk use has occurred.
(5) The board is not required to wait until human harm has occurred to initiate an investigation under this subsection.
(6) The board, upon finding, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that a person has violated or has attempted to violate any requirement related to a kiosk, its use or the issuance of a prescription arising out of kiosk use, may impose an administrative fine of not more than $10,000 for each violation or attempted violation and may issue an order requiring reimbursement of the reasonable costs to the board of investigation and hearing.
(7) The board shall advise the Attorney General of the failure of a person to pay an administrative fine or reimburse costs of investigation and hearing imposed under this paragraph. The Attorney General may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for the failure to pay any amount imposed under this paragraph.
(8) The board may request that the Attorney General file a civil action seeking an injunction or other appropriate relief to enforce this subsection. The court may impose on a person for violations of this subsection that relate in any way to a kiosk, its use or the issuance of a prescription arising out of kiosk use a fine of not more than $20,000 for each violation or attempted violation. In addition, the Attorney General may bring an action to recover the reasonable costs of the investigation and hearing.
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1993, c. 600, §A152 (RPR). 1999, c. 547, §B78 (AMD). 1999, c. 547, §B80 (AFF). 2015, c. 173, §3 (AMD).
1. Requirement. All applicants for a therapeutic or advanced therapeutic pharmaceutical license under this section shall submit proof of compliance with the application requirements set forth in section 2430, subsections 1 and 3.
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1975, c. 563, §3 (AMD). 1987, c. 542, §§K11,K20 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A153 (AMD). 1995, c. 606, §6 (AMD). 2003, c. 252, §1 (AMD).
1. Annual renewal. Every licensed optometrist practicing in the State shall pay annually, before the first day of April, to the board a license renewal fee not in excess of $400 as established by the board under section 2417.
2. Nonactive license. Every licensed optometrist not practicing within the State must upon payment of an annual license renewal fee not in excess of $400 as established by the board, be issued a nonactive license renewal. The fee is payable to the board before the first day of April each year. Should a holder of a nonactive license desire to practice within the State, the licensee shall notify the board in writing, and except as otherwise provided in this chapter, must then be issued an active license by the board.
3. Examination. Every optometrist holding a nonactive license for a period of 3 years or more who desires an active license shall submit to a practical examination for professional and technical proficiency conducted by the board. If the applicant demonstrates professional and technical proficiency in the examinations, the applicant may be issued an active license authorizing practice in this State. The active license is renewed annually as provided in subsection 1.
4. Default. In case of default in payment of any license renewal fees by a licensed optometrist, the license expires. A license may be renewed up to 60 days after the date of expiration upon payment of a late fee, established by the board in an amount not to exceed the annual renewal fee, in addition to the renewal fee.
5. Military service; license to practice optometry. A resident of the State who is serving in the military service of the United States and is engaged in the practice of optometry as defined in section 2411 is entitled to the issuance of an active license upon payment of the required annual renewal fee.
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1977, c. 187, (AMD). 1977, c. 694, §596 (AMD). 1983, c. 378, §27 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A154 (AMD). 1995, c. 606, §7 (AMD). 1997, c. 117, §3 (AMD). 2003, c. 252, §§2,3 (AMD).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1977, c. 694, §597 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A155 (RP).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1987, c. 542, §§K12,K20 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A156 (AMD). 1997, c. 117, §4 (AMD).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1987, c. 542, §§K13,K20 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A157 (AMD). 1995, c. 606, §8 (AMD).
1975, c. 563, §4 (NEW). 1983, c. 378, §28 (AMD). 1987, c. 542, §§K14,K20 (RP).
1987, c. 542, §§K15,K20 (NEW). 1987, c. 586, (AMD). 1989, c. 45, (AMD). MRSA T. 32, §2428, sub-§8 (RP).
1991, c. 675, §3 (NEW). 1993, c. 600, §A158 (RPR). 1995, c. 370, §2 (RP).
1. Therapeutic license. An optometrist may use topical therapeutic agents for any purpose associated with ocular conditions and diseases, except for the treatment of glaucoma, if the optometrist has received a therapeutic license in accordance with the following requirements.
Effective October 1, 1996, the board may not issue new therapeutic licenses.
2. Therapeutic pharmaceutical agents; use permitted. An optometrist who has received an advanced therapeutic license may use and prescribe any therapeutic pharmaceutical agent, except for the treatment of glaucoma unless the requirements of section 2430-B have been met, including any drug identified in schedules III, IV and V as described in 21 United States Code, Section 812, for any purpose associated with ocular conditions and diseases except for oral chemotherapeutic agents, oral immunosuppressive agents and oral immunostimulant agents, and except that an optometrist who has received an advanced therapeutic license may prescribe one 5-day supply of any analgesic identified in schedules III, IV and V as described in 21 United States Code, Section 812.
3. Requirements for advanced therapeutic license. Requirements for an advanced therapeutic license are as follows.
1995, c. 606, §9 (NEW). 2009, c. 195, §6 (AMD).
1995, c. 606, §9 (NEW). 2009, c. 195, §7 (RP).
1. Optometrists qualified. An optometrist who graduated from optometric college in the year 1996 or thereafter and who is an advanced therapeutic licensee is authorized to independently treat glaucoma.
2. Consultation required. In order to be authorized to independently treat glaucoma, an advanced therapeutic licensee who graduated from optometric college prior to 1996 must provide evidence to the board of no more than 30 glaucoma-related consultations with a physician in accordance with this section. For purposes of this section, "physician" means a licensed physician specializing in diseases of the eye. The board shall form a glaucoma consultation subcommittee comprised of 2 optometrists appointed by the board and 2 physicians appointed by the Board of Licensure in Medicine to review evidence of consultations submitted pursuant to this section in accordance with the following criteria.
2009, c. 195, §8 (NEW).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1977, c. 694, §598 (RPR). 1983, c. 378, §29 (RP).
1. Disciplinary proceedings and sanctions. The board shall investigate a complaint, on its own motion or upon receipt of a written complaint filed with the board, regarding noncompliance with or violation of this chapter or of rules adopted by the board.
The board shall notify the licensee of the content of a complaint filed against the licensee as soon as possible, but not later than 60 days from receipt of this information. The licensee shall respond within 30 days. If the licensee's response to the complaint satisfies the board that the complaint does not merit further investigation or action, the matter may be dismissed, with notice of the dismissal to the complainant, if any.
If, in the opinion of the board, the factual basis of the complaint is or may be true, and the complaint is of sufficient gravity to warrant further action, the board may request an informal conference with the licensee. The board shall provide the licensee with adequate notice of the conference and of the issues to be discussed. The conference must be conducted in executive session of the board, pursuant to Title 1, section 405, unless otherwise requested by the licensee. Statements made at the conference may not be introduced at a subsequent formal hearing unless all parties consent.
1983, c. 378, §30 (NEW). 1987, c. 542, §§K16,K20 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A160 (AMD). 1999, c. 547, §B63 (AMD). 1999, c. 547, §B80 (AFF).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1975, c. 563, §5 (AMD). 1983, c. 176, §A15 (AMD). 1983, c. 378, §31 (RP). 1987, c. 402, §A170 (AMD).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1977, c. 458, §§5,5A (AMD). 1983, c. 378, §32 (RP).
5. Continuing unauthorized associations. The continuance of an optometrist directly or indirectly in the employ of or in association with an optometrist after knowledge that the optometrist is engaged in the violation of the provisions of this chapter.
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1983, c. 378, §33 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A161 (AMD).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1983, c. 378, §34 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A162 (AMD).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1993, c. 600, §A163 (AMD).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1987, c. 542, §§K17,K20 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A164 (RP).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1993, c. 600, §A165 (RP).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1993, c. 600, §A166 (AMD).
1973, c. 788, §156 (NEW). 1977, c. 458, §6 (RP).
1975, c. 563, §6 (NEW). 1977, c. 564, §121 (AMD). 1987, c. 542, §§K18,K20 (AMD). 1993, c. 600, §A167 (AMD). 1995, c. 606, §10 (AMD).
All copyrights and other rights to statutory text are reserved by the State of Maine. The text included in this publication reflects changes made through the First Special Session of the 128th Maine Legislature and is current through November 1, 2017. The text is subject to change without notice. It is a version that has not been officially certified by the Secretary of State. Refer to the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated and supplements for certified text.

References: §156
 §4
 §1
 §42
 §8
 §1
 §1
 §156
 §354
 §220
 §2
 §10
 §156
 §221
 §1
 §156
 §4
 §1
 §5
 §8
 §3
 §11
 §1
 §2
 §156
 §22
 §42
 §23
 §42
 §2
 §2
 §26
 §4
 §5
 §2
 §19
 §156
 §3
 §156
 §3
 §6
 §1
 §156
 §596
 §27
 §7
 §3
 §156
 §597
 §156
 §4
 §156
 §8
 §4
 §28
 §2428
 §3
 §2
 §9
 §6
 §9
 §7
 §8
 §156
 §598
 §29
 §30
 §156
 §5
 §31
 §156
 §32
 §156
 §33
 §156
 §34
 §156
 §156
 §156
 §156
 §156
 §6
 §6
 §121
 §10