IA Opto Juris flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Iowa Board of Optometry

The state board within the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing that licenses optometrists, sets practice rules, and imposes discipline for violations.

Licensure by endorsement

A process allowing an optometrist licensed in another state to obtain an Iowa license by demonstrating equivalent education, examination, and licensure credentials.

Unlicensed practice of optometry

Performing optometric examinations, diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing without a valid Iowa license; it is a criminal offense and grounds for denial of a future license.

Continuing education requirement

Biennial hours of approved coursework that Iowa optometrists must complete to renew a license; falsifying completion records is a disciplinable offense.

Scope of optometric practice

The examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the eye and visual system, including prescribing lenses, contact lenses, low-vision devices, and therapeutic drugs authorized by Iowa law.

Non-delegable optometric duties

Diagnosis, treatment decisions, and prescribing remain the responsibility of the licensed optometrist and cannot be assigned to unlicensed assistants.

Direct supervision

A delegation level in which the supervising optometrist is physically present in the office and available to assist the assistant during the delegated procedure.

Telehealth optometry

Delivery of optometric care through electronic communications, which must meet the same standard of care and documentation requirements as in-person visits.

Fiduciary duty

The legal obligation of an optometrist to act in the patient's best interest, placing patient welfare above the optometrist's financial gain.

Fee splitting

Paying or receiving part of a professional fee to or from a non-licensee for patient referrals; prohibited by Iowa law and federal anti-kickback rules.

Patient abandonment

Terminating care without reasonable notice, without providing records, or without giving the patient an opportunity to arrange alternative care.

Impaired practitioner

A licensee unable to practice safely because of alcohol, drugs, or a physical or mental condition; the licensee must refrain from practice and may self-report.

Informed consent

The patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after disclosure of diagnosis, risks, benefits, alternatives, and the consequences of refusing care.

HIPAA minimum necessary

The requirement to limit uses and disclosures of protected health information to the least amount needed for the intended purpose.

Notice of Privacy Practices

A written HIPAA notice describing how a practice may use and disclose protected health information and listing patient rights.

Emancipated minor consent

A minor who is married, in the military, or otherwise legally emancipated may consent to optometric care without a parent's authorization under Iowa law.

Standard of care

The degree of care and skill that a reasonably prudent optometrist with similar training would exercise in similar circumstances.

Modified comparative fault

Iowa's rule barring a plaintiff's recovery when the plaintiff's own fault is greater than 50 percent of the total fault.

Vicarious liability

Legal responsibility of an optometrist for negligent acts committed by employees or assistants acting within the scope of their employment.

Statute of limitations

The deadline for filing a malpractice lawsuit; in Iowa, generally two years from injury or discovery, with a six-year cap and exceptions.

Patient record ownership

The physical or electronic record belongs to the optometrist or practice, but the patient has a legal right to access and obtain copies.

Late entry

A documentation addition made after the date of service; it must be clearly labeled with the actual date and time of entry.

Audit trail

An electronic record feature that tracks who accessed or changed information and when, supporting integrity and HIPAA security compliance.

Record retention period

The minimum time a practice must keep patient records as set by Iowa Board rule; longer retention applies to minors and litigation holds.

Schedule II refills

Prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances may not be refilled; a new prescription is required for additional dispensing.

EPCS

Electronic prescribing of controlled substances, which requires DEA-compliant software, identity proofing, and two-factor authentication.

Contact lens prescription release

Federal law requires the prescriber to give the patient a copy of the contact lens prescription so the patient may buy lenses anywhere.

Dispense as written

A prescriber's notation that blocks generic substitution and requires the pharmacy to dispense the brand-name drug specified.

Mandatory abuse reporting

Iowa licensed health professionals must report suspected child abuse or dependent adult abuse to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Bloodborne pathogens standard

OSHA rule requiring an exposure control plan, hepatitis B vaccination offered to staff, protective equipment, and training.

Breach notification

The legal duty to notify affected individuals and regulators when unsecured personal or health information is accessed or disclosed without authorization.

Anti-Kickback Statute

Federal law prohibiting knowingly offering or receiving remuneration to induce referrals for items or services covered by federal health care programs.