The Board proposes to amend the rule to modify the language to clarify qualifications and procedure for licensure of an applicant as a certified optometrist.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Board of Optometry

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

64B13-4.004Manner of Application

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Board proposes to amend the rule to modify the language to clarify qualifications and procedure for licensure of an applicant as a certified optometrist.

SUMMARY: The rule amendment will modify language to clarify qualifications and procedure for licensure of an applicant as a certified optometrist.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its meeting, the Board, based upon the expertise and experience of its members, determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 456.005, 463.006(2), 463.013(7) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 456.013(7), 463.006(1)(b), (2) FS

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: William Miller, Executive Director, Board of Optometry/MQA, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C07, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3257

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

64B13-4.004 Manner of Application.

(1) Any person desiring to be a licensed as a certified optometrist practitioner shall apply to the department to take the licensure examination. The board will determine if an applicant qualifies for licensure examination. The board will approve an each applicant for licensure as a certified optometrist who:

(a) No change.

(b) Submits satisfactory proof that the applicant:

1. through 2. No change.

3. Has graduated from a school or college of optometry approved by the board which has been accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) and which remains accredited by ACOE.

4.3. No change.

5.4. No change.

6. Has successfully completed all parts of the licensure examination required by Rule 64B13-4.001, F.A.C.

(2) All applications for licensure as a certified optometrist examination shall be made on the form titled “Application for Licensure as Certified Optometrist Optometry Examination” number DH-MQA 1128 (Revised 12/13 5/10), which is hereby incorporated by reference and can be obtained from the board office or at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/optometry. All applications for licensure as a certified optometrist shall include the application fee as specified in subsection 64B13-6.001(7), F.A.C., the department administrative cost as specified in Rule 64B-1.016, F.A.C., and the initial licensure fee as specified in subsection 64B13-6.001(1), F.A.C. No application shall be deemed complete which does not set forth all the information required by said forms and which fails to include all fees as set forth in this rule. Applications for licensure must be received by the Department at least 120 days prior to the examination.

(3) No change.

(4) Any licensed practitioner licensed to practice optometry in Florida prior to July 1, 1993 who is not a certified optometrist and who desires to be licensed as a certified optometrist shall apply to the department for certification. The board will approve a licensed practitioner for licensure as a certified optometrist who satisfies the requirements of subparagraph (1)(b)4. and 5. above, successfully completes the certification examination set forth in subsection 64B13-4.001(3), F.A.C. and remits the fee established in subsection 64B13-6.001(7), F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 456.005, 463.006(2), 463.013(7) FS. Law Implemented 456.013(7), 463.006(1)(b), (2) FS. History–New 11-13-79, Amended 4-17-80, Formerly 21Q-4.04, Amended 11-20-86, 4-19-89, 6-25-92, 6-6-93, Formerly 21Q-4.004, Amended 6-14-94, Formerly 61F8-4.004, Amended 3-21-95, 5-29-95, Formerly 59V-4.004, Amended 7-15-02, 11-3-03, 11-16-05, 10-30-08, 8-30-09, 10-18-10, 9-8-13,__________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Optometry

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Optometry

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: November 12, 2013

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: December 23, 2013