Md. Code Regs. 10.28.12.03

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 18, September 6, 2024

Section 10.28.12.03 - Requirements for Renewal of Certification

A. An optometrist certified by the Board under this chapter shall complete 50 hours of continuing education during the 2 year licensure period in order to renew the optometrist's license.

B. An optometrist certified by the Board under this chapter shall complete 30 hours of continuing education in the use and management of TPAs, during the 2-year licensure period.

C. The Board shall count the 30 hours of continuing education in TPAs toward the 50 hours of continuing education required for biennial renewal.

D. A therapeutically certified optometrist shall be certified in CPR and shall verify this certification on request by the Board.

E. Unless there are extenuating circumstances acceptable to the Board, the Board shall revoke the TPA certification of an optometrist who does not fulfill the requirements for renewal of the TPA certification.

F. TPA Self-Assessment. At the time of license renewal, the therapeutically certified optometrist shall complete a self-assessment checklist provided by the Board to evaluate the following aspects of the optometrist's practice utilizing TPAs, including but not limited to:

(1) Legibility and completeness of TPA records;

(2) Documentation of patient visits, services rendered, and communications;

(3) Documentation of subjective complaints, objective findings, clinical assessments relating to the findings of the diagnosis, and the plan;

(4) A written office plan for handling emergencies;

(5) A system for patients to reach the optometrist, or to access care, in the event of an ocular emergency;

(6) A systematic discarding of expired medications;

(7) Documentation of current CPR certification;

(8) An infection control policy;

(9) Patient confidentiality;

(10) A patient tracking system that enables identification and follow-up to ensure treatment of patients who:

(a) Are being followed or referred out for emergency sight or life-threatening conditions; or

(b) Fail to keep appointments;

(11) Procedures for appropriate termination of the doctor patient relationship when necessary;

(12) Satisfactory explanation of the treatment plan so that the patient knows and understands the nature of the patient's problem or problems and the goals of the treatment regimen; and

(13) Advice to patients regarding the importance of progress examinations and follow-up care.

Md. Code Regs. 10.28.12.03

Regulations .03 adopted as an emergency provision effective May 17, 1996 (23:12 Md. R. 867); adopted permanently effective October 21, 1996 (23:21 Md. R. 1467); amended effective 48:23 Md. R. 980, eff. 11/15/2021