§ 17-90-402 - Standards -- Noncompliance. - Arkansas Statutes

17-90-402. Standards -- Noncompliance.

(a) Reasonable standards applicable only to those optometrists who are authorized to use drugs for referral of eye patients with eye pathology discoverable by the use of drugs shall be promulgated only if the board finds that the standards are required to protect the health of the citizens of the state.

(b) The standards shall not require referral in cases in which an optometrist is aware that a condition has been previously diagnosed by a physician.

(c) If these standards are promulgated, they shall be enforced by the State Board of Optometry.

(d) Any violation of these standards shall be deemed unprofessional conduct under this chapter.

(e) If the board finds that an optometrist has habitually violated the standards of referral, then the board shall withdraw the authority to use drugs from that optometrist.