NH Optometry Jurisprudence key terms

The state regulatory body that licenses optometrists, adopts administrative rules, investigates complaints, and imposes discipline for violations of the optometry statutes.

The chapter of New Hampshire's Revised Statutes Annotated that governs optometry, setting licensing, scope of practice, and disciplinary authority for the profession.

A regulation adopted by the Board under statutory authority that fills in procedural and technical detail, such as licensure application steps, fees, and continuing education requirements.

The legally defined set of activities, tests, treatments, and prescriptions an optometrist may perform or issue under state law and Board rules.

The authorized practice of diagnosing and treating eye disease with medications, as distinguished from refraction and corrective lens services alone.

A drug, including topical or oral medications, that an optometrist is authorized by statute and Board rule to administer, dispense, or prescribe within the defined formulary.

The legal power of a licensed optometrist to write, dispense, or administer prescriptions for specified drugs, subject to statutory limits and Board rules.

The list of drugs or drug classes an optometrist may prescribe or administer, established by statute or Board rule and subject to periodic revision.

The credential issued by the Board that authorizes an individual to practice optometry in the state, renewable on a set cycle and subject to conditions.

A person who holds a current optometry license issued by the Board and is therefore bound by the statutes, rules, and standards of conduct.

The periodic process by which a licensee submits a renewal application, fee, and proof of continuing education to keep the license active.

A license that has expired because renewal was not completed on time, making practice unlawful until the license is reinstated or restored.

The Board process for restoring a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license, often requiring an application, fee, and evidence of fitness to practice.

The minimum number of approved credit hours a licensee must complete each renewal cycle, including any mandated subject areas such as ethics or pharmacology.

The Board's process of randomly or selectively reviewing a licensee's continuing education records to verify compliance with renewal requirements.

An organization or sponsor whose courses the Board recognizes as qualifying for continuing education credit toward renewal requirements.

The testing standard, such as a national board examination or a state jurisprudence examination, that applicants must pass to qualify for licensure.

The route to licensure in which an applicant meets education, examination, and character requirements and passes the required exams to obtain a license.

A pathway allowing a licensee from another jurisdiction to obtain a state license based on comparable credentials, sometimes through an interstate compact or endorsement.

A time-limited credential issued by the Board under specified conditions, such as pending full licensure, that restricts practice to defined settings or supervision.

The required oversight of an unlicensed or provisionally licensed person by a fully licensed optometrist, with the degree of oversight defined by Board rule.

Behavior falling below the standards expected of licensees, such as dishonesty, incompetence, or exploitation of patients, that can trigger Board discipline.

The level of care and skill that a reasonably competent optometrist in similar circumstances would provide, used to judge negligence or incompetence.

A sanction the Board imposes for a violation, ranging from reprimand and fine to probation, suspension, or revocation of the license.

A disciplinary or interim sanction that temporarily removes the right to practice, often for a fixed term or until stated conditions are met.

The most severe disciplinary sanction, permanently canceling a license, though the licensee may later petition the Board for reinstatement.

A disciplinary condition under which a licensee may continue practicing subject to monitoring, practice restrictions, or periodic reporting to the Board.

A negotiated settlement in which a licensee accepts specified findings and sanctions, avoiding a contested hearing while binding the licensee to its terms.

A Board directive requiring a person or entity to stop unlicensed or unlawful optometry practice, enforceable through court action if ignored.

Performing acts reserved to licensed optometrists without a valid license, which is unlawful and subject to civil or criminal penalties.

The legal duty of licensees or employers to notify the Board of certain events, such as impairment, misconduct, or adverse actions in another jurisdiction.

The rule specifying how long a licensee must keep patient records after the last encounter, and the conditions for releasing copies to patients.

A patient's voluntary agreement to examination or treatment after receiving an explanation of the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Professional negligence in which an optometrist's failure to meet the standard of care causes harm, potentially leading to civil liability and Board review.

Practicing while affected by alcohol, drugs, or a physical or mental condition that undermines the ability to provide competent care.

The regulation governing how licensees may publicize services, prohibiting false, deceptive, or misleading claims about qualifications or outcomes.