New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Opt - Board of Registration in Optometryn
Here’s a detailed overview of the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules — Opt (Board of Registration in Optometry):
📘 Chapters Overview
According to Justia and Cornell Law sources, the administrative code for the Optometry Board is organized into the following chapters (regulations.justia.com, docs.legis.wisconsin.gov):
Chapter Opt 100 – Organization, Definitions & Public Info
Chapter Opt 200 – Rules of Practice & Procedure
Chapter Opt 300 – Applications for Initial Licensure
Chapter Opt 400 – License Renewal & Continuing Education
Chapter Opt 500 – Ethical Standards & Disciplinary Matters
Chapter Opt 600 – Professional Standards
Appendix A – Statutes Implemented
Appendix B – Incorporation by Reference Information
🔍 Key Highlights by Chapter
Opt 100 – Governance & Definitions
Defines essential terms, board structure, and ensures public access to information. (law.cornell.edu)
Opt 200 – Practice & Procedure
Outlines hearing protocols, rulemaking, and board-administered processes for licensure and disciplinary actions.
Opt 300 – Initial Licensure
Opt 301: Exam-based licensure requirements.
Opt 302: Endorsement/licensure by reciprocity with other states—eligibility detailed in Opt 302.01 (law.cornell.edu).
Opt 303–305: Application fee schedules, documentation, and exam prerequisites.
Opt 400 – Renewal & Continuing Education
Opt 401: Requirements and deadlines for license renewal.
Opt 402: Continuing education mandates—including credit hours and approved provider lists. § 402.04 details approved CE formats .
Opt 500 – Ethics & Discipline
Outlines professional standards, unprofessional conduct definitions, disciplinary procedures, sanctions, and appeal rights.
Opt 600 – Professional Standards
Specifies clinical practice expectations—scope of care, recordkeeping, patient interactions, and operational standards.
⚠️ Notable Rule: Pharmaceutical Agents (Opt 301.08)
No pharmaceuticals (therapeutic agents or glaucoma medications) may be used unless the optometrist holds a board-issued TPA or TPA/G certification.
Certified optometrists must display certification status publicly.
Practices must provide a board-approved brochure explaining the services offered by certified vs. non-certified practitioners (regulations.justia.com).
📝 Practical Details
Rules are updated quarterly; Cornell and Justia reflect the most recent versions available (law.cornell.edu).
Licensure by endorsement lets out-of-state optometrists obtain a New Hampshire license if they meet equivalence criteria and submit a standardized application form with fees (law.cornell.edu).
✅ Summary Table
Chapter
Focus Area
Opt 100
Definitions, board structure & public info
Opt 200
Procedural rules, hearings & rulemaking
Opt 300
Licensure (exam, endorsement, fees)
Opt 400
License renewal & CE requirements
Opt 500
Ethics, discipline & sanctions
Opt 600
Clinical/professional standards
📚 Additional Resources
Official rules: accessible via the NH Office of Professional Licensure & Certification (“Board of Optometry Laws & Rules”) (regulations.justia.com, oplc.nh.gov, law.cornell.edu).
Statutes: RSA 327 (Optometry practice laws) implement these chapters.
Board mission/info: details on licensure objectives and contact info available through OPLC (onetonline.org).
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