Section 17-6417. CONTACT LENS PRESCRIPTIONS

 

6417.1A contact lens prescription shall contain sufficient information for the complete and accurate filling of a prescription, including the following:

 

(a)Name of the patient;

 

(b)Date of the examination;

 

(c)Issue date and expiration date of the prescription;

 

(d)Name, license number, postal address, telephone number, facsimile telephone number, and original signature of the prescriber; and

 

(e)Brand of lens, power, base, curve, and diameter;

 

6417.2In the case of a private label contact lens, a contact lens prescription may also contain the name of manufacturer, trade name of private label brand, and, if applicable, trade name of equivalent brand name by the same manufacturer, but sold under the labels of other sellers.

 

6417.3A contact lens prescription may also include the diameter, axis, add power, cylinder, peripheral curve, optical zone, and center thickness and any additional information necessary in order that the prescription be accurately filled.

 

6417.4A contact lens prescription shall be given to the patient after the completion of the contact lens fitting whether or not it is requested by the patient, or at the time of the examination if the person is an established patient where no change in the prescription was made.

 

6417.5A prescriber shall, as directed by any person designated to act on behalf of the patient, provide or verify the contact lens prescription.

 

6417.6A contact lens prescription shall expire one (1) year after the issue date unless there is a medical reason that warrants a prescription for less than one (1) year. The medical reasons for issuing a prescription for less than one year shall be documented in the patient's medical record.

 

6417.7The issue date on a contact lens prescription shall be the date of the examination.

 

6417.8A prescriber may require payment of fees for an eye examination, fitting, and evaluation before the release of a contact lens prescription, but only if the prescriber requires immediate payment in the case of an examination that reveals no requirement for ophthalmic goods. Presentation of proof of insurance coverage for that service shall be deemed to be a payment.

 

6417.9When specialty or custom-made contact lenses are necessary to complete the fitting process, the prescriber may charge patients an additional fee for such lenses as part of the cost of the fitting process and as such may condition the release of a contact lens prescription on payment of the fitting fee.

 

6417.10A prescriber shall not:

 

(a)Require purchase of contact lenses from the prescriber or from another person as a condition of providing a copy of the prescription;

 

(b)Require a payment in addition to, or as part of, the fee for an eye examination, fitting, and evaluation as a condition of providing a copy of a prescription or verification of a prescription; or

 

(c)Require the patient to sign a waiver or release as a condition of verifying or releasing a prescription.

 

source

Final Rulemaking at 55 DCR 12043 (November 21, 2008).