La. Admin. Code tit. 46 § LI-501

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 5, May 20, 2024

Section LI-501 - Professional Conduct

A. The following acts or omissions constitute a failure by the optometrist to abide by the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing optometry practice, as set forth in R.S. 37:1061(10).

1. Failure to keep the visual welfare of the patient uppermost at all times, promote the best care of the visual needs of mankind, strive continuously to develop educational, professional, clinical and technical proficiency and keep informed as to the new developments within his profession.

2. Failure to conduct his or her practice in a decorous, dignified and professional manner and in keeping with the rules, regulations and ethics as promulgated by this board.

3. Engaging in conduct which endangers the public health or renders the licensee unable to practice optometry with safety to the public, including inability to practice optometry with reasonable skill or safety to patients because of mental illness, interdiction or commitment by due process of law, or deficiency or physical illness, including but not limited to deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skills, shall be grounds for suspension or revocation of any optometry license.

4. Sexual misconduct, including, but not limited to, any improper act of sexual intimacy, contact, exposure, gratification, abuse, exploitation or other sexual behavior with or in the presence of a patient or any other individual related to the practice of optometry.

5. Engaging in the practice of optometry while under the influence of a mood-altering substance that compromises or has the potential to compromise an optometrists medical judgment or practice, irrespective of whether or not prescribed by an optometrist or authorized practitioner.

6. Using the term "board certified" or "Board Certified" in connection with their title, name, business or practice except to reference certification by organizations approved by the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners.

7. Failing to report to the board:

a. any adverse action taken by another licensing jurisdiction, government agency, law enforcement agency, or court; or

b. any other act, event, or occurrence required to be reported pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute §37:1061, or that would constitute grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to this Section, which report shall be in writing and within 30 days of such adverse action, act, event or occurrence.

La. Admin. Code tit. 46, § LI-501

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Optometry Examiners, LR 32:632 (April 2006), amended LR 35:1111 (June 2009), Amended by the Department of Health, Board of Optometry Examiners, LR 441248 (7/1/2018), Amended by the Department of Health, Board of Optometry Examiners, LR 4625 (1/1/2020).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 37:1048.