Indiana Administrative Code Title 852 - INDIANA OPTOMETRY BOARD
Indiana Administrative Code – Title 852: Indiana Optometry Board
Purpose
Title 852 sets out the rules, responsibilities, and authority of the Indiana Optometry Board.
Its role is to license, regulate, and oversee the practice of optometry in the state. The Board ensures that optometrists meet professional standards, protect public health, and provide safe and competent vision care services.
1. Organization of the Board
The Optometry Board is the official governing body for the optometry profession in Indiana.
Members are appointed to represent both the professional community (licensed optometrists) and the public interest.
The Board elects officers such as President, Vice President, and Secretary.
It conducts regular meetings to review applications, hear disciplinary cases, and adopt policies.
2. Licensing of Optometrists
The Board is responsible for regulating who can legally practice optometry. Title 852 covers:
Eligibility Requirements: Education, training, and examination standards applicants must meet.
Application Process: Submission of credentials, fees, and proof of qualifications.
Examinations: Written, practical, or clinical exams that measure competency.
License Renewal: Rules for maintaining active licensure, including continuing education requirements.
Special Certificates: Additional privileges may be granted for therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPA) use or other specialized practices.
3. Professional Conduct and Standards
Title 852 outlines the ethical standards and professional rules optometrists must follow.
Examples include:
Honest representation of qualifications.
Appropriate patient care and recordkeeping.
Restrictions on advertising (must be truthful and not misleading).
Confidentiality of patient information.
The Board can investigate complaints and discipline optometrists for misconduct.
4. Continuing Education (CE)
Licensed optometrists must complete ongoing education to stay updated.
Title 852 sets requirements for:
Number of CE hours per renewal period.
Acceptable providers (universities, professional associations, approved seminars).
Recordkeeping obligations to prove completion.
5. Discipline and Enforcement
The Board has authority to discipline practitioners for violations. Possible actions include:
Warning or Reprimand.
Probation with conditions.
Suspension or Revocation of license.
Fines or penalties.
Grounds for discipline may include:
Fraud in obtaining a license.
Incompetence or negligence in patient care.
Substance abuse affecting practice.
Criminal convictions related to professional trust.
6. Administrative Procedures
Title 852 requires that all disciplinary and licensing decisions follow fair hearing procedures.
The Board maintains official records of decisions, ensuring transparency.
Applicants or licensees have rights to appeal or request reconsideration.
7. Scope of Practice
Defines what optometrists are legally allowed to do, including:
Eye examinations and vision testing.
Prescribing corrective lenses.
Detecting and diagnosing eye diseases.
(With certification) prescribing and using certain medications.
Clearly distinguishes optometry from ophthalmology or other medical professions, while ensuring collaboration when needed.
8. Long-Term Mission
The Indiana Optometry Board’s mission under Title 852 is to:
Protect the health and safety of the public.
Maintain high standards of competency and ethics in optometry.
Provide clear regulations so professionals understand their responsibilities.
Support continuing growth of the optometry field in Indiana.
✅ In summary:
Title 852 of the Indiana Administrative Code establishes the Indiana Optometry Board as the regulatory authority for optometrists. It sets rules for licensing, continuing education, professional conduct, scope of practice, and disciplinary actions. The Board’s work ensures that only qualified, ethical, and competent individuals practice optometry in Indiana, safeguarding the public’s vision health.
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