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§ 11-404. Pharmaceutical agents; certification

West's Annotated Code of MarylandHealth Occupations

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Health Occupations (Refs & Annos)
Title 11. Optometrists (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle 4. Miscellaneous Provisions (Refs & Annos)
MD Code, Health Occupations, § 11-404
§ 11-404. Pharmaceutical agents; certification
In general
(a) Unless certified under this section, a licensed optometrist may not administer a topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agent to a patient.
Criteria for certification
(b) The Board shall certify a licensed optometrist as qualified to administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents if the licensed optometrist submits to the Board evidence satisfactory to the Board that the licensed optometrist:
(1) Meets the educational requirements that the Board establishes for certification of qualification to administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents; and
(2) Has within 7 years before certification completed a course in pharmacology that meets the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.
Pharmacology course requirements
(c) The course in pharmacology required by subsection (b) of this section shall:
(1) Be of at least the length that the Board establishes but not less than 70 course hours;
(2) Place emphasis on:
(i) Topical application of ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents for the purpose of examining and analyzing ocular functions; and
(ii) Allergic reactions to ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents; and
(3) Be given by an institution that is:
(i) Accredited by a regional or professional accrediting organization that is recognized or approved by the United States Commissioner of Education; and
(ii) Approved by the Board.
Revocation of certification
(d) The Board shall revoke the certification of qualification to administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents of any licensed optometrist who does not annually take a course of study, approved by the Board, that relates to the use of those agents.
Topical ocular pharmaceutical agents
(e) Certification of qualification under this section authorizes the licensed optometrist who is certified under this section to administer a topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agent to a patient for diagnostic purposes but not for purposes of treatment.
Drugs or medicine
(f) Except as expressly authorized under this section for diagnostic purposes or under § 11-404.1 of this subtitle for therapeutic purposes, an optometrist may not administer drugs or medicine to any patient.
Statistics, reporting
(g) The Department shall collect and report statistical information on the incidences of negative reactions to the administration by optometrists of topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.

Credits

Added as Health Occupations § 10-404 by Acts 1989, c. 1, § 1, eff. Feb. 12, 1989. Renumbered as Health Occupations § 11-404 by Acts 1990, c. 6, § 11, eff. Feb. 16, 1990. Amended by Acts 1995, c. 521, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1995.
MD Code, Health Occupations, § 11-404, MD HEALTH OCCUP § 11-404
Current with all legislation from the 2023 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
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