37-10-304. Course in use of diagnostic and therapeutic drugs required. (1) (a) In addition to the requirements of 37-10-302, each person desiring to commence the practice of optometry shall satisfactorily complete a course prescribed by the board of medical examiners with consultation and approval by the board of optometrists with particular emphasis on the topical application of diagnostic agents to the eye for the purpose of examination of the human eye and the analysis of ocular functions.
     (b) A person presently licensed to practice optometry who wishes to employ diagnostic agents must satisfactorily complete a course referred to in subsection (1)(a) and must pass an examination as provided in subsection (1)(d).
     (c) The course referred to in subsection (1)(a) must be conducted by an institution accredited by a regional or professional accreditation organization which is recognized or approved by the national commission on accrediting or the United States commissioner of education. The course must also be approved by the board.
     (d) The board shall provide for an examination in competency in the use of diagnostic drugs and shall issue a certificate to those applicants who pass the examination.
     (2) (a) Each person desiring to commence the practice of optometry shall:
     (i) pass an examination, of the international association of boards of examiners in optometry, on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular disease; or
     (ii) take a course and pass an examination in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular diseases. The course and examination must be conducted by an institution accredited by a regional or professional accreditation organization which is recognized or approved by the national commission on accrediting or the United States commissioner of education. The course and examination must also be approved by the board.
     (b) A person presently licensed to practice optometry who wishes to employ therapeutic pharmaceutical agents must meet the requirements of subsection (2)(a).
     (c) The board shall:
     (i) provide for an examination in competency in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents; and
     (ii) issue a certificate to an applicant who passes the examination.

     History: En. 66-1305.1 by Sec. 3, Ch. 361, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 66-1305.1; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 588, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 48, Ch. 429, L. 1995.