South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 96 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, LICENSING AND REGULATION- SOUTH CAROLINA BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN OPTICIANRY
South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 96 is specifically dedicated to the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) - South Carolina Board of Examiners in Opticianry. This chapter outlines the comprehensive set of rules and regulations governing the practice of opticianry in South Carolina, ensuring that individuals working in this field are properly qualified, licensed, and adhere to professional standards.
The Board of Examiners in Opticianry, under the LLR, is responsible for examining and licensing opticians and registering apprentices. Its mission is to administer, coordinate, and enforce the provisions of the South Carolina Opticianry Law, ultimately protecting the public.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas covered in Chapter 96:
I. General Administration and Definitions:
§ 96-101 - Definitions: Provides clear definitions for crucial terms such as "optician," "apprentice," "Board," and "direct supervision," which are fundamental to understanding the scope of the regulations and the practice of opticianry.
§ 96-102 - Officers of the Board; Elections & § 96-103 - Meetings: These sections detail the internal governance of the Board, including the election of officers, their duties, and the rules for conducting Board meetings.
II. Licensing and Apprenticeship:
§ 96-104 - General Licensing Provisions: Outlines the overall requirements for initial licensure as an optician, including application submission and fees.
§ 96-105 - Examinations: Specifies the examination requirements for licensure. This typically includes:
A Board-approved opticianry competency examination (often referring to the National Opticianry Competency Examination by the American Board of Opticianry - ABO).
A Board-approved examination in practical areas of opticianry (South Carolina Practical Opticianry Examination).
Separate qualifying examinations for those seeking licensure to dispense contact lenses (e.g., National Contact Lens Examiners - NCLE examination).
§ 96-106 - Apprenticeship Registration and Program Provisions: This is a significant aspect of opticianry in South Carolina. The regulations detail:
Requirements for registering as an apprentice.
The duration of supervised work experience (e.g., two continuous years of full-time, or three continuous years of part-time, directly supervised work).
The requirement to complete a Board-approved formal education program in opticianry, which can be done concurrently with the apprenticeship.
Rules regarding the supervision of apprentices by licensed opticians, optometrists, or ophthalmologists, including limits on the number of apprentices a supervisor can train.
§ 96-107 - Reinstatement of Lapsed License or Lapsed Apprenticeship: Outlines the procedures and requirements for reinstating a license or apprenticeship that has lapsed, including fees and potential additional continuing education.
III. Continuing Education and Fees:
§ 96-108 - Continuing Education: Sets the mandatory continuing education requirements for both licensed opticians and registered apprentices as a condition for renewal. This typically specifies a certain number of hours per year (e.g., four hours annually for opticians, plus an additional hour for contact lens dispensing opticians). It also addresses approval of courses and sponsors.
§ 96-109 - Fees: Provides a comprehensive list of all fees associated with applications, examinations, initial licensure, biennial renewals (for active and inactive licenses), apprentice registration and renewal, late fees, and reinstatement fees.
IV. Standards of Practice and Enforcement:
§ 96-110 - Standards of Practice: Establishes the professional and ethical standards that all licensed opticians must adhere to in their practice. This would cover aspects like client care, accuracy in dispensing, record-keeping, and the proper use of professional titles.
Disciplinary Actions: While specific sections might not be listed for every disciplinary action, the overall Chapter 96 and related South Carolina laws (like S.C. Code of Laws Title 40 Chapter 38) grant the Board authority to investigate complaints and take disciplinary actions such as revocation, suspension, restriction, or limitation of a license, or reprimands, for various types of misconduct (e.g., felony conviction, illegal practice, fraudulent advertising, failure to maintain sanitary facilities).
In essence, South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 96 is the definitive rulebook for the opticianry profession in the state, ensuring public safety and maintaining high standards of practice through rigorous licensing, ongoing education, and clear ethical guidelines.
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