KY Opto Juris flashcards

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

Kentucky optometry governing statute

KRS Chapter 320 establishes the practice of optometry, defines scope, creates the Board of Optometric Examiners, and authorizes the board to adopt regulations implementing licensure and discipline.

Optometry Licensing Compact

An interstate compact allowing licensed optometrists in member states to obtain a compact privilege to practice in other member states, including Kentucky, without a separate full license.

Board disciplinary authority

The Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners may investigate complaints, hold administrative hearings, and impose sanctions including reprimand, fine, probation, suspension, or revocation of a license.

License renewal requirement

Kentucky optometrists renew their license on the schedule set by the board, contingent on completing required continuing education, submitting the application, and paying the renewal fee.

Jurisprudence examination

A licensing examination covering Kentucky statutes and board regulations that applicants must pass in addition to the national optometry board examinations before licensure.

Contemporaneous recordkeeping

Documentation must be entered at or near the time of the encounter, legible, and detailed enough for another optometrist to understand findings, diagnoses, treatment, and rationale.

Patient abandonment

Termination of the optometrist-patient relationship without reasonable notice, without providing records, or without giving the patient a chance to arrange alternate care.

Informed consent documentation

A record showing the patient received an explanation of the procedure's nature, material risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences of declining, and agreed to proceed.

Fee-splitting prohibition

Paying or receiving compensation for patient referrals, or dividing fees with non-licensees, is restricted because it can compromise clinical judgment and professional independence.

Records release authorization

A written patient authorization identifying the recipient, purpose, and expiration that must be obtained and documented before releasing protected health information to third parties.

Therapeutic pharmaceutical agents

Kentucky optometrists with TPA certification may prescribe topical and oral medications for ocular conditions within the scope defined by statute and board regulation.

KASPER program

Kentucky's prescription drug monitoring program; prescribers must query it before initiating certain controlled substances and at intervals required by statute.

DEA registration requirement

A federal registration in addition to the state optometry license that is required before an optometrist may prescribe or dispense controlled substances.

Electronic prescribing mandate

Controlled substance prescriptions must be transmitted electronically unless a statutory exception applies, such as system failure, emergency dispensing, or other defined circumstances.

Prescription elements

A valid prescription includes prescriber name, license number, DEA number when applicable, patient identification, drug, strength, quantity, directions, and refills.

Glaucoma management authority

Kentucky optometrists may diagnose and treat glaucoma, including prescribing ocular hypotensive agents and performing authorized laser procedures, with documented serial monitoring.

Referral for out-of-scope care

When a condition requires surgery, hospitalization, or treatment beyond optometric scope, the optometrist must refer and document communication with the receiving provider.

Ocular emergency referral

Findings such as acute angle closure, retinal detachment, or papilledema require immediate referral and documented communication with the receiving provider or emergency facility.

Diagnostic privilege examples

Authorized diagnostic procedures include tonometry, gonioscopy, ophthalmoscopy, perimetry, fundus photography, OCT, and corneal topography needed to evaluate the eye.

Comanagement documentation

Agreements with ophthalmologists must be documented, and the optometrist remains responsible for the portion of care personally delivered to the patient.

Continuing education requirement

Optometrists must earn the board-required annual CE hours, including mandated subject areas, from approved providers, and retain certificates for audit.

Late renewal consequences

Failing to renew on time may result in a penalty fee or lapse of practice authority; practicing on a lapsed license is grounds for discipline.

Board complaint process

A complaint triggers board investigation; the board may negotiate an agreed order or hold a hearing where the licensee may appear with counsel and present evidence.

Disciplinary sanctions range

Board sanctions include reprimand, fine, probation with monitoring, remedial education, practice restrictions, suspension, and revocation, depending on the violation's severity.

Reactivation of inactive license

Returning from inactive or retired status typically requires proof of continuing education and possibly reexamination after an extended period away from practice.

Truthful advertising rule

Advertising must be truthful and not misleading; claims about qualifications, services, or fees must be accurate, and guarantees of cure or outcome are prohibited.

Fee advertising disclosure

Advertised fees must disclose the total cost or clearly state what is included; bait-and-switch pricing and undisclosed additional charges violate board rules.

Title use restriction

Use of "Doctor" or "Dr." is limited to holders of a doctoral degree, and optometrists must identify themselves accurately as optometrists in advertising and practice.

Improper referral compensation

Paying for patient referrals or splitting fees with non-licensees is restricted because such arrangements can compromise clinical judgment and violate business-practice rules.

Child abuse reporting duty

Kentucky law requires optometrists to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or to law enforcement.

Confidentiality exception

Patient information may be disclosed without authorization when a statute specifically requires reporting, such as suspected abuse or certain communicable disease findings.

Consent for minors

Treatment of a minor generally requires consent from a parent or legal guardian, except in circumstances defined by statute where minors may consent independently.