Section 11-404 - Administration of drugs, medicine, etc. - Maryland Statutes

§ 11-404. Administration of drugs, medicine, etc.
 

(a)  Administration of topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.- Unless certified under this section, a licensed optometrist may not administer a topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agent to a patient. 

(b)  Certification - Requirements generally.- The Board shall certify a licensed optometrist as qualified to administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents if the licensed optometrist submits to the Board evidence satisfactory to the Board that the licensed optometrist: 

(1) Meets the educational requirements that the Board establishes for certification of qualification to administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents; and 

(2) Has within 7 years before certification completed a course in pharmacology that meets the requirements of subsection (c) of this section. 

(c)  Certification - Pharmacology courses.- The course in pharmacology required by subsection (b) of this section shall: 

(1) Be of at least the length that the Board establishes but not less than 70 course hours; 

(2) Place emphasis on: 

(i) Topical application of ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents for the purpose of examining and analyzing ocular functions; and 

(ii) Allergic reactions to ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents; and 

(3) Be given by an institution that is: 

(i) Accredited by a regional or professional accrediting organization that is recognized or approved by the United States Commissioner of Education; and 

(ii) Approved by the Board. 

(d)  Certification - Revocation.- The Board shall revoke the certification of qualification to administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents of any licensed optometrist who does not annually take a course of study, approved by the Board, that relates to the use of those agents. 

(e)  Certification - Authorized activities.- Certification of qualification under this section authorizes the licensed optometrist who is certified under this section to administer a topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agent to a patient for diagnostic purposes but not for purposes of treatment. 

(f)  Administration of drugs or medicine generally.- Except as expressly authorized under this section for diagnostic purposes or under § 11-404.1 of this subtitle for therapeutic purposes, an optometrist may not administer drugs or medicine to any patient. 

(g)  Reports.- The Department shall collect and report statistical information on the incidences of negative reactions to the administration by optometrists of topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents. 
 

[1989, ch. 1; 1990, ch. 6, § 11; 1995, ch. 521.]