§ 23.64. Professional conduct.
(a) Registered optometrists shall adhere to the standards of professional conduct which are generally accepted by the profession of optometry of this Commonwealth.
(b) The standards of professional conduct for registered optometrists are higher than, and may not partake of the standards and practices of the market place.
(c) Failure of an optometrist to conform to the standards of professional conduct, including those in § 23.3(12) and (14) (relating to means and methods for the examination, diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the visual system) may subject the optometrist to disciplinary action under section 7 of the act (63 P.S. § 244.7).
(d) An optometrist may terminate the optometric care of a patient who, in the professional opinion of the optometrist, is not adhering to appropriate regimens of care and follow-up.
(1) The optometrist shall notify the patient, in writing, that the optometrist is terminating the professional relationship and the reasons for the termination.
(2) The optometrist shall provide the patient with at least 60 days of continued care after the notice of termination is sent and provide reasonable assistance to the patient to find alternative care.
(3) In addition, the optometrist shall make a copy of the patient’s medical record available to the patient or successor eye care provider designated by the patient, and may charge a fee for copying the record consistent with the fees in 42 Pa.C.S. § 6152(a)(2)(i) (relating to subpoena of records).
Authority The provisions of this § 23.64 amended under section 3(a)(2.1) and (3) and (b)(9) and (14) of the Optometric Practice and Licensure Act (63 P.S. § 244.3(a)(2.1) and (3) and (b)(9) and (14)).
Source The provisions of this § 23.64 adopted September 16, 1965; amended June 3, 2005, effective June 4, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 3220. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (222972).
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 23.27a (relating to license by endorsement under 63 Pa.C.S. § 3111).
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