Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1045 - Optometry
Here’s a detailed overview of Tennessee Title 1045 – Optometry, focused on its active provisions governing licensure, practice, and professional conduct:
📘 Title 1045 – Chapter Breakdown
Chapter 1045‑01 – Rules of Procedure for Hearing Contested Cases
Chapter 1045‑02 – General Rules Governing the Practice of Optometry ✅
Chapter 1045‑03 – Repealed (regulations.justia.com)
All current substantive content resides in Chapter 1045‑02 .
Chapter 1045‑02 – Key Sections & Highlights
1045‑02‑.01 – Fees
Licensure and renewal fees as specified in the Board’s fee schedule. (law.cornell.edu, law.cornell.edu)
1045‑02‑.02 – Licensure Process
Criteria for initial licensure, including education proof and examination requirements. (law.cornell.edu, publications.tnsosfiles.com)
1045‑02‑.03 – Examinations
Successful completion of Board-approved exams is mandatory for licensure. (regulations.justia.com, casetext.com)
1045‑02‑.04 – License Renewal
Procedures and timelines for maintaining an active license. (law.cornell.edu)
1045‑02‑.05 – Continuing Education
As of January 1, 2020, optometrists must complete 40 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years. Therapeutic optometrists must also maintain current CPR certification (casetext.com).
1045‑02‑.06 to .07 – Board meetings, authority, records, and certifications (diagnostic/therapeutic).
1045‑02‑.08 – Corporate/Business Names & Advertising
Requires accuracy, transparency, truthfulness in advertising.
Disallows bait-and-switch, misleading claims, failure to disclose fees or affiliations.
Detailed advertising rules, including listing licensee info and retaining ad records for 2 years. (law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com)
1045‑02‑.09 – Ocular & Contact Lens Prescriptions
Compliance with federal statutes and standards for equipment and prescriptions. (casetext.com)
1045‑02‑.10 – Disciplinary Actions & Civil Penalties
1045‑02‑.11 – Scope of Practice
Defines optometry to include:
Examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of visual-system conditions (manual, automated, telehealth).
Prescription of corrective lenses and therapeutic pharmaceuticals.
Primary eye-care procedures and certain surgical procedures—excluding more invasive ophthalmic surgeries like retina or intraocular surgery.
Rules for co-management with other providers, record-keeping, standard precautions (e.g., HIV).
Title usage: only licensed practitioners may use “O.D.” or “Optometrist.” (regulations.justia.com, regulations.justia.com)
1045‑02‑.12 to .18 – Covers primary care procedures, corporate structures, records, consumer rights, tamper-resistant and opioid-prescribing norms, and telehealth practice.
✅ Summary Table
| Area | Noteworthy Points |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Education + exam; renewal on schedule |
| CE Requirement | 40 hours/2 years, effective 2020; therapeutic optometrists need current CPR (regulations.justia.com) |
| Practice Scope | Includes refraction, disease management, prescribing, limited surgery; excludes certain invasive procedures |
| Advertising Rules | Must be transparent, accurate; prohibitions on bait-and-switch, misleading claims; record retention required |
| Discipline & Records | Includes protocols for patient records, co-management, and disciplinary proceedings |
🧭 Where to Access the Full Text
Tennessee SOS rule repository (PDFs): e.g., June 24, 2024 revision for Chapter 1045‑02 (publications.tnsosfiles.com)
Cornell LII: Online versions of sections, including scope of practice (law.cornell.edu)
Tennessee Department of Health: CE and policy updates
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