1. (a) This chapter will expire when all Arkansas DPA certified optometrists have successfully met the requirements to become an optometrist certified as an optometric physician.
2. (b) For those optometrists holding only a DPA certificate, the following rules shall apply.

3. (c) The following general categories of pharmaceutical agents are hereby approved for use as diagnostic agents:

   1. (1) Topical anesthetics;
   2. (2) Mydriatics;
   3. (3) Cycloplegics; and
   4. (4) Dyes.

4. (d)

   1. (1) No optometrist shall use a pharmaceutical agent until he or she has exhibited his or her qualifications by passing an examination prepared or approved by the State Board of Optometry.

   2. (2) Prior to taking the examination, an applicant must present evidence that he or she has:

      1. (A) Graduated from an accredited college of optometry since January 1973; or
      2. (B) Successfully completed a course of study approved by the board.
   3. (3) Upon meeting the qualifications and passing an approved examination, the board shall issue a certificate to the optometrist that shall be valid for a period of three (3) years unless suspended or revoked.
   4. (4) For renewal of a certificate, each optometrist must submit proof that he or she has, during the preceding three (3) years, received six (6) clock hours of instruction in pharmacology approved by the board.

   5. (5)

      1. (A) The board hereby approves the examination in pharmacology of the board for purposes of these standards.
      2. (B) However, the examination shall be reviewed by the board at least every two (2) years to assure that the questions contained therein sufficiently cover the subject of pharmacology.

5. (e)

   1. (1) Each certified optometrist shall establish a written procedure prior to use of any approved pharmaceutical agent.

   2. (2) These procedures should include:

      1. (A) A prior arrangement should be established that assures communication between the optometrist and any one (1) of the following:

6. (i) An ophthalmologist;

   1. (ii) A general physician;

      1. (iii) The emergency medical service unit in the area; or

         1. (iv) The emergency room personnel at a local hospital;
      2. (B) All office personnel shall be instructed concerning these emergency procedures;

      3. (C)

         1. (i) An optometrist certified to use pharmaceutical agents shall be certified for CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
         2. (ii) An optometrist may apply in writing to the board for a waiver of this requirement; and
      4. (D) Verification shall be provided to the Secretary-Treasurer of the State Board of Optometry that items in subdivisions (d)(2)(A) – (C) of this section have been implemented.
7. (f) Referrals of patients shall be made in accordance with the rules of the board.

8. (g) The board may suspend or revoke the DPA certification of any optometrist who violates any of the provisions of:

   1. (1) This part;
   2. (2) Acts 1979, No. 710; or
   3. (3) Acts 1985, No. 875.

Codification Notes: “DPA” means diagnostic pharmaceutical agent.