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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 17. BUSINESS, OCCUPATIONS, AND PROFESSIONALS |
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Chapter 17-64. OPTOMETRY |
Section 17-6413. ADMINISTRATION OF THERAPEUTIC PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS
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6413.1As used in this section, the term "therapeutic pharmaceutical agents" means appropriate topical drugs and oral systemic drugs, including antibiotics, appropriate analgesics, antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and anti-glaucoma medications. The term "therapeutic pharmaceutical agents" includes topical steroidal anti-inflammatories and antivirals, or oral medications for the emergency treatment of angle closure glaucoma. The term "therapeutic pharmaceutical agents" does not include oral and injectable antiviral and antifungal agents and other oral and injectable agents not authorized in this section, except for an injectable to counter an anaphylactic reaction.
6413.2Only an optometrist certified pusuant to this section may administer therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
6413.3An applicant for certification to administer therapeutic pharmaceutical agents shall do the following:
(a)Submit a completed, notarized application and pay the fee provided in Chapter 35 of this title; and
(b)Demonstrate to the satsfaction of the Board that he or she:
(1)Has either applied for licensure under this chapter as an optometrist, or has been is-sued a license under this chapter as an optometrist;
(2)If a graduate of an accredited school of optometry prior to July 1, 1992, has completed a Board approved course consisting of a minimum of one hundred (100) clock hours in general and ocular pharmacology which meets the requirements of § 207 of the Act, D.C. Code § 2-3302.7, and has arranged for the institution to transmit a transcript of the courses taken directly to the Board; and
(3)Has passed the treatment and management of ocular disease (TMOD) section of the examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, or any other examination approved by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry or the Board, has arranged for the test results to be submitted directly to the Board.
6413.4A course approved by the Board shall be any course in the treatment and management of ocular disease offered or approved by an accredited school of optometry.
6413.5An optometrist certified pursuant to this section shall not administer a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent when the medical condition of the patient contraindicates such use.
6413.6Prior to initiating treatment for glaucoma, an optometrist shall consult with the patient's physician or other appropriate health professional. The treatment of angle closure glaucoma shall be limited to the initiation of immediate emergency treatment.
6413.7 An optometrist certified for the administration of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents shall prove to the Board’s satisfaction that he or she has completed six (6) hours of approved continuing education credits pursuant to section 6408.