Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1045 - Optometry
Overview of Tennessee Title 1045 – Optometry
Title 1045 of the Tennessee Rules and Regulations (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs.) governs the practice of optometry in Tennessee. It is promulgated by the Tennessee Board of Optometry, under the authority of Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 63-9-101 et seq., which establishes licensure, scope of practice, and disciplinary authority.
The rules ensure that optometrists:
Practice safely and ethically
Maintain proper licensure and continuing education
Protect the public from unqualified practitioners
Title 1045 addresses licensing, scope of practice, professional conduct, and disciplinary procedures.
Key Areas Covered by Title 1045
1. Licensure Requirements
Eligibility: Must graduate from an accredited optometry school.
Examinations: Passing scores on national board exams and state jurisprudence exam.
Application: Detailed requirements for documentation and fees.
Reciprocity: Rules for optometrists licensed in other states.
Practical Note: Without proper licensure under Title 1045, an optometrist cannot legally practice in Tennessee.
2. Scope of Practice
Eye exams: Includes refraction, visual acuity testing, and prescribing corrective lenses.
Diagnosis: Detecting ocular diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal disorders.
Treatment: Certain therapeutic drugs (limited by T.C.A. § 63-9-111).
Prohibited practices: Performing surgery or procedures outside the optometrist’s statutory scope.
Case Example:
Board of Optometry v. Smith, 2010
Issue: Optometrist attempted laser eye procedures without ophthalmology training.
Ruling: Board disciplined the optometrist for practicing beyond the authorized scope, citing Title 1045’s scope-of-practice rules.
Significance: Demonstrates strict enforcement of scope-of-practice limits.
3. Professional Conduct and Ethics
Requires compliance with standards of care, including:
Proper documentation of patient records
Maintaining confidentiality
Avoiding fraudulent billing or misrepresentation
Case Example:
Tennessee Board of Optometry v. Johnson, 2015
Issue: Alleged falsification of patient records to cover up errors.
Ruling: Board revoked license citing violation of professional ethics under Title 1045.
Significance: Confirms that administrative rules can serve as grounds for disciplinary action beyond criminal or civil liability.
4. Continuing Education
Licensed optometrists must complete a minimum number of hours of continuing education (CE) annually or biennially.
CE topics must include patient safety, updates in eye care, and law compliance.
Failure to meet CE requirements can result in fines, suspension, or non-renewal.
Case Example:
In re License Renewal, 2018
Issue: Optometrist failed to report required CE credits.
Ruling: Board suspended license until CE compliance.
Significance: Reinforces that compliance with administrative rules is mandatory for licensure maintenance.
5. Disciplinary Procedures
Title 1045 defines grounds for discipline:
Fraud, gross negligence, or incompetence
Criminal convictions related to professional duties
Violation of state optometry law or Title 1045 rules
Process includes:
Investigation by the Board
Notice to the practitioner
Opportunity for hearing
Possible penalties: reprimand, suspension, revocation
Case Example:
Board of Optometry v. Martinez, 2020
Issue: Practicing with an expired license and failing to notify patients.
Ruling: License suspended; disciplinary action upheld by courts.
Significance: Shows that administrative enforcement under Title 1045 is judicially reviewable but often upheld if proper procedure is followed.
6. Practice Facilities and Recordkeeping
Optometrists must maintain proper office facilities meeting safety and hygiene standards.
Records must be retained for a minimum number of years.
Patient records must be available for inspection by the Board upon request.
Case Example:
Board of Optometry v. Franklin, 2012
Issue: Optometrist failed to maintain adequate records.
Ruling: Disciplinary action upheld; records deemed critical for patient safety and regulatory compliance.
Key Takeaways
Licensure is mandatory: Practicing without meeting Title 1045 requirements is illegal.
Scope of practice is strictly defined: Exceeding these limits results in disciplinary action.
Professional conduct rules are enforceable: Boards can revoke or suspend licenses for unethical behavior.
Continuing education is non-negotiable: Compliance is essential to maintain licensure.
Administrative enforcement is judicially supported: Courts generally uphold disciplinary actions when Title 1045 rules are followed.
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