Unless, and until, a hearing is set by the Board, as hereinafter provided, the Board and each member or agent thereof shall keep the charges and all matters relating thereto completely confidential, and shall release no information in connection therewith to any person other than the Board or an agent thereof, the accused, or the accused's legal counsel, if any. Hearings held on formal charges filed as provided for hereinafter for the purpose of considering the discipline of an individual subject to regulation by the Alabama Board of Optometry, or to discuss the general reputation and character, physical condition, professional competence, or mental health of licensees shall be held in executive session, where allowed for by the Alabama Open Meetings Act. All record of proceedings held in executive session, including evidence admitted during said hearing, shall be held confidential and shall not be open to public inspection. The charging instrument setting out the formal charges and the final order of the Board shall be public record.

Author: Wallace D. Mills

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-22-8.

Editor’s Note: Previous rule (same title) filed September 13, 1982. Repealed: Filed July 9, 1990.

History: Filed July 9, 1990. Amended: filed August 28, 1995; effective October 2, 1995. Amended: Published September 30, 2025; effective November 14, 2025.