Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0480 - Dispensing Opticians
Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0480 is specifically dedicated to the Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians. This title outlines the comprehensive regulations that govern the practice of opticianry in Tennessee, with the primary mission of safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of the public by ensuring that those who practice the profession are qualified and adhere to professional standards.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects typically covered in Chapter 0480-01, "General Rules Governing Dispensing Opticians," which is the main chapter within this title:
Definitions (0480-01-.01): Provides clear definitions of terms relevant to opticianry, such as "dispensing optician," "apprentice dispensing optician," "sponsoring supervisor," "ophthalmic lens," and "contact lens."
Scope of Practice (0480-01-.02): Delineates what a licensed dispensing optician is authorized to do. This typically includes:
Preparing, adapting, and dispensing lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, and optical devices based on a written prescription from an optometrist or physician.
Interpreting and transposing prescriptions.
Crucially, it explicitly states that dispensing opticians cannot examine or exercise eyes, diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any human injury, disease, or ailment of the eyes.
Dispensing opticians may fit contact lenses only in the presence of and under the direct supervision of a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Necessity of Licensure (0480-01-.03): States that a license is required to practice as a dispensing optician or to hold oneself out as such, with specific exceptions (e.g., students, physicians, optometrists, wholesale suppliers).
Qualifications for Licensure (0480-01-.04): Outlines the requirements for becoming a licensed dispensing optician, which typically include:
Age and Citizenship: Must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen.
High School Diploma or Equivalent: Required.
Moral Character and Professional Ethics: Evidence of good standing.
Education and Training: This is a key component, with two primary pathways:
Completion of a two-year course of study in opticianry from a Board-recognized and approved college-level program.
Completion of an apprenticeship program: This involves not less than three (3) years but not more than six (6) years, totaling 5,250 hours of practical training and experience under the direct supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist who has been licensed for at least three years. An approved apprentice educational training program (AETP) can reduce the apprenticeship requirement by 1,750 hours (1 year).
Examinations (0480-01-.08): Successful completion of specific exams:
National Opticianry Competency Examination (ABO)
National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE)
Tennessee Dispensing Optician Examination
Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination (an open-book exam on state laws and rules related to opticianry).
Procedures for Licensure (0480-01-.05): Details the application process, including criminal background checks (fingerprinting) for all new applicants and those providing patient care.
Fees (0480-01-.06): Specifies the various fees for applications, examinations, initial licensure, and renewals.
Renewal of License (0480-01-.09): Licenses are typically renewed annually.
Continuing Education (CE) (0480-01-.12): This is a mandatory requirement for license renewal. Currently, 9 hours of CE are required annually, typically broken down as:
4 hours in Spectacle
2 hours in Contact Lens (not to exceed 4 hours)
2 hours Optional
1 hour of Ethics and Jurisprudence (which can be satisfied by taking the Board's Ethics and Jurisprudence exam or attending a Board meeting).
Only 2 hours of CE can be from internet courses. Licensees must retain proof of attendance for four years.
Supervision (0480-01-.10): Specific rules for the supervision of apprentice dispensing opticians and for the fitting of contact lenses (requiring direct supervision by an optometrist or ophthalmologist). It also mandates that every optical dispensing establishment must have a duly licensed dispensing optician on duty.
Code of Ethics (0480-01-.13): Lays out the ethical standards and professional conduct expected of licensed dispensing opticians, covering areas such as patient care, confidentiality, advertising, and avoiding misleading practices.
Apprenticeship Training Program (0480-01-.14): Provides detailed rules for the structure and content of approved apprenticeship programs.
Disciplinary Actions and Civil Penalties (0480-01-.15): Outlines the grounds for disciplinary action against a licensee (e.g., unprofessional conduct, negligence, fraud, practicing while impaired) and the potential penalties (reprimand, suspension, revocation of license, civil penalties).
License Display and Identification (0480-01-.16): Requires licensees to display their certificates conspicuously and wear identification badges.
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