Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0480 - Dispensing Opticians
Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee, Title 0480 - Dispensing Opticians provides the regulatory framework for dispensing opticians in Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians.
While the administrative history shows that Chapters 0480-02 through 0480-16 have been repealed, Chapter 0480-01 - General Rules Governing Dispensing Opticians is the active and primary chapter detailing the regulations.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects covered in Chapter 0480-01:
Definitions (0480-01-.01): Provides clear definitions of terms used throughout the regulations, essential for understanding the scope and application of the rules.
Scope of Practice (0480-01-.02): Defines what constitutes the "practice of dispensing opticians" in Tennessee. This generally includes the preparation, adaptation, and dispensing of lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, and optical devices based on a written prescription from a licensed physician or optometrist. It also explicitly prohibits dispensing opticians from engaging in practices like ocular refraction, orthoptics, visual training, prescribing contact lenses, or diagnosing/treating eye conditions.
Necessity of Licensure (0480-01-.03): States that a license is required to practice as a dispensing optician in Tennessee.
Qualifications for Licensure (0480-01-.04): Outlines the requirements for obtaining a license, which typically include:
Being a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age.
Demonstrating good moral character and professional ethics.
Meeting educational requirements, which can be either:
Graduation from a two-year Board-approved opticianry school program.
Completion of a three-year (5,250 hours) apprenticeship training program under qualified supervision.
Procedures for Licensure (0480-01-.05): Details the steps an applicant must take to apply for a license.
Fees (0480-01-.06): Specifies the various fees associated with licensure, including application, examination, initial license, and renewal fees.
Application Review, Approval, Denial, Interviews (0480-01-.07): Describes the process the Board follows in reviewing applications, approving or denying them, and conducting interviews if necessary.
Examinations (0480-01-.08): Specifies the required examinations for licensure:
The National Opticianry Competency Examination (ABO) or its successor.
The National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE) or its successor.
The Tennessee Dispensing Optician Examination (a practical exam).
The Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination (an open-book exam on Tennessee's laws and rules related to dispensing opticians).
Renewal of License (0480-01-.09): Outlines the procedures and requirements for renewing a dispensing optician license.
Supervision (0480-01-.10): Details the rules regarding the supervision of apprentices or unlicensed individuals working under a licensed optician.
Retirement and Reactivation of License (0480-01-.11): Provides procedures for retiring a license and for reactivating a retired license, including any continuing education requirements for reactivation.
Continuing Education (CE) (0480-01-.12): Mandates continuing education for license renewal. Currently, it requires:
Nine (9) hours of continuing education per calendar year, including:
Four (4) hours in spectacles.
Two (2) hours in contact lenses.
One (1) hour in jurisprudence (can be obtained by passing the Board's CE Jurisprudence Credit examination or by attending a morning session of a Board meeting).
Two (2) hours in optional courses.
The Board accepts clinics, workshops, seminars, or lectures, both in Tennessee and at national/regional meetings.
There are restrictions on internet/multi-media CE, generally limiting online hours and requiring a post-course examination for material retention.
Code of Ethics (0480-01-.13): Establishes the ethical standards and professional conduct expected of dispensing opticians.
Apprenticeship Training Program (0480-01-.14): Provides detailed rules for the apprenticeship pathway to licensure, including curriculum, hours, supervision, and semi-annual evaluation reports.
Disciplinary Actions and Civil Penalties (0480-01-.15): Outlines the grounds for disciplinary action against a licensee (e.g., violations of rules, unprofessional conduct) and the civil penalties that can be imposed.
License Display and Identification (0480-01-.16): Requires licensees to display their license in a conspicuous place and wear an identification badge with their name, photograph, and license number. Apprentices also need an identification badge with their name and file number.
Change of Address and/or Name (0480-01-.17): Requires licensees to notify the Board of any changes to their contact information.
The overarching purpose of these regulations is to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans by ensuring that individuals practicing opticianry in the state are qualified, adhere to professional standards, and maintain their competency through continuing education.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official publications of the Tennessee Secretary of State or the Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians, often found on the Tennessee Department of Health's website.
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