MD Optometry Jurisprudence flashcards

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

Scope of practice definition

The statutory description of acts reserved to licensed optometrists, including examination, refraction, diagnosis, and treatment of the visual system within Board-set limits.

Unlicensed practice

Performing acts reserved to optometrists without a valid license; a violation by the performer and by any licensee who aids or permits it.

Corporate practice restriction

A rule barring unlicensed persons or entities from controlling an optometrist's professional judgment or sharing in professional fees.

License renewal deadline

The expiration date set by the Board; practicing after that date without renewal is unlicensed practice and a disciplinary ground.

Continuing education audit

The Board's process of requiring proof of completed approved continuing education hours; the licensee must retain certificates and produce them on request.

Inactive license status

A non-practicing status available on Board terms; the licensee may not practice and must satisfy reinstatement conditions to return to active practice.

Board disciplinary powers

Authority to reprimand, place on probation, suspend, revoke, refuse renewal, and impose authorized civil penalties after notice and hearing.

Summary suspension

Emergency action taken when continued practice poses immediate danger to the public, followed promptly by a post-deprivation contested case hearing.

Appeal of Board order

Judicial review in circuit court, generally sought within 30 days of the final order, under the Administrative Procedure Act standard.

Moral turpitude conviction

A statutory ground for discipline based on conviction of a crime involving dishonesty or depravity, independent of the underlying practice conduct.

Patient abandonment

Unilateral termination of care without adequate notice or arrangement for continuation, treated as unprofessional conduct subject to Board discipline.

Fee splitting prohibition

A ban on dividing professional fees with an unlicensed person for patient referrals or for generating optometric business.

Topical pharmaceutical authority

Privilege to use and prescribe topical diagnostic and therapeutic agents within optometric scope, subject to documentation and Board regulation.

Oral therapeutic privilege

Authority to prescribe oral medications, available only to licensees who satisfy the Board's additional education, certification, or examination requirements.

Prescription monitoring query

Required check of the state prescription drug monitoring program before prescribing controlled substances, as mandated by state law.

Record content standard

Documentation of history, findings, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up sufficient for another practitioner to continue the patient's care.

Record retention period

The minimum time a licensee must keep patient records under Board regulation, extended for minors and records subject to litigation.

Patient access right

The patient's statutory right to inspect and obtain copies of the patient's record, with fees limited by Maryland law.

HIPAA preemption rule

Federal privacy and security requirements apply alongside state law; where state law is more protective, the stricter state standard controls.

Truthful advertising rule

Advertising must be accurate and not misleading; superiority claims, guarantees of results, and unverifiable statements are prohibited.

Fee advertising disclosure

Advertised fees must state the cost of the service and disclose whether additional charges apply for examination, materials, or follow-up.

Specialist claim limit

A licensee may not advertise as a specialist or use a title implying certification that the licensee does not actually hold.

Delegation standard

Ancillary tasks may be delegated only when they require no professional judgment and the licensee supervises the performance and remains responsible.

Prescription release duty

The patient is entitled to a copy of the contact lens or spectacle prescription and may have it filled by any dispenser.

Contact lens sales rule

Contact lenses may be sold only pursuant to a valid prescription; selling without one violates state dispensing law and Board rules.

Impaired practitioner report

A licensee must self-report impairment affecting safe practice and comply with Board-ordered evaluation, treatment, or monitoring conditions.

Mandatory abuse reporting

State law requires licensees to report suspected child abuse or neglect and abuse of vulnerable adults to the designated authority.

Malpractice payment report

A payment or judgment in a malpractice claim must be reported as required by Board regulation and insurer reporting statutes.

Standard of care

The care a reasonably competent optometrist would provide in similar circumstances; departure supports negligence liability and Board action.

Emergent referral conditions

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, chemical burn, open globe injury, and retinal artery occlusion require immediate referral rather than office management.

Informed consent elements

Disclosure of diagnosis, treatment alternatives, material risks, and consequences of declining care before the patient authorizes treatment.

Referral documentation

A record of the reason for referral, the receiving provider, the method and date of communication, and interim management until care is accepted.