Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-180.5

Current through Regsiter Vol. 46, No. 26, June 12, 2024

Rule 645-180.5 - [Effective until 6/19/2024] License renewal

(1) The biennial license renewal period for a license to practice optometry shall begin on July 1 of an even-numbered year and end on June 30 two years later. The licensee is responsible for renewing the license prior to its expiration. Failure of the licensee to receive notice from the board does not relieve the licensee of the responsibility for renewing the license.

(2) An individual who was issued a license within six months of the license renewal date will not be required to renew the license until the subsequent renewal two years later.

(3) A licensee seeking renewal shall:

a. Meet the continuing education requirements of rule 645-181.2 (154) and the mandatory reporting requirements of subrule 180.5(4). A licensee whose license was reactivated during the current renewal compliance period may use continuing education credit earned during the compliance period for the first renewal following reactivation; and

b. Submit the completed renewal application and renewal fee before the license expiration date.

(4) Mandatory reporter training requirements.

a. A licensee who, in the scope of professional practice or in the licensee's employment responsibilities, examines, attends, counsels or treats children in Iowa shall indicate on the renewal application completion of training in child abuse identification and reporting as required by Iowa Code section 232.69(3)"b" in the previous three years or condition(s) for waiver of this requirement as identified in paragraph 180.5(4)"e."

b. A licensee who, in the course of employment, examines, attends, counsels or treats adults in Iowa shall indicate on the renewal application completion of training in dependent adult abuse identification and reporting as required by Iowa Code section 235B.16(5)"b" in the previous three years or condition(s) for waiver of this requirement as identified in paragraph 180.5(4)"e."

c. The course(s) shall be the curriculum provided by the Iowa department of human services.

d. The licensee shall maintain written documentation for three years after mandatory training as identified in paragraphs 180.5(4)"a" to "c," including program date(s), content, duration, and proof of participation.

e. The requirement for mandatory training for identifying and reporting child and dependent adult abuse shall be suspended if the board determines that suspension is in the public interest or that a person at the time of license renewal:

(1) Is engaged in active duty in the military service of this state or the United States.

(2) Holds a current waiver by the board based on evidence of significant hardship in complying with training requirements, including an exemption of continuing education requirements or extension of time in which to fulfill requirements due to a physical or mental disability or illness as identified in rule 645-4.14 (272C).

f. The board may select licensees for audit of compliance with the requirements in paragraphs 180.5(4)"a" to "e."

(5) Upon receiving the information required by this rule and the required fee, board staff shall administratively issue a two-year license. In the event the board receives adverse information on the renewal application, the board shall issue the renewal license but may refer the adverse information for further consideration or disciplinary investigation.

(6) A person licensed to practice optometry shall keep the license certificate and renewal displayed in a conspicuous public place at the primary site of practice.

(7) Late renewal. The license shall become late when the license has not been renewed by the expiration date on the renewal. The licensee shall be assessed a late fee as specified in 645-subrule 5.12(3). To renew a late license, the licensee shall complete the renewal requirements and submit the late fee within the grace period.

(8) Inactive license. A licensee who fails to renew the license by the end of the grace period has an inactive license. A licensee whose license is inactive continues to hold the privilege of licensure in Iowa, but may not practice as an optometrist in Iowa until the license is reactivated. A licensee who practices as an optometrist in the state of Iowa with an inactive license may be subject to disciplinary action by the board, injunctive action pursuant to Iowa Code section 147.83, criminal sanctions pursuant to Iowa Code section 147.86, and other available legal remedies.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 645-180.5

ARC 9641B, IAB 7/27/11, effective 8/31/11

Amended by IAB July 1, 2020/Volume XLIII, Number 1, effective 8/5/2020

Amended by IAB July 14, 2021/Volume XLIV, Number 1, effective 8/18/2021