§ 17-90-204 - Powers and duties. - Arkansas Statutes

17-90-204. Powers and duties.

The State Board of Optometry shall have the following powers in addition to those conferred elsewhere within this chapter:

(1) To make rules and regulations for the administration and enforcement of this chapter;

(2) To revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew any certificate of license in the manner and for the causes set forth in this chapter;

(3) To determine what acts on the part of any person licensed under this chapter shall constitute unprofessional conduct;

(4) To employ or retain the services of attorneys and other necessary assistants in carrying out the provisions of this chapter;

(5) To bring suit in its proper name to enforce or restrain the violation of any provision of this chapter;

(6) To administer oaths, to have an official seal, or to issue a subpoena for any witness or a subpoena duces tecum to compel the production of any books, records, papers, or documents pertinent to any matters coming before the board; and

(7) (A) To levy civil penalties, after providing notice and a hearing, in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation against those individuals, firms, or corporations found to be in violation of this chapter or rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(B) These penalties shall be used for the purposes of defraying the expenses of the board and as required for carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(C) These penalties shall be in addition to other penalties which may be imposed by the board pursuant to this chapter.

(D) Unless the penalty assessed under this section is paid within fifteen (15) days following the date for an appeal from the order, the board shall have the power to file suit in the Pulaski County Circuit Court to obtain a judgment for the amount of penalty not paid.