1. A. The Board will certify an optometrist licensed to practice in Maryland as qualified to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents if the licensed optometrist meets one of the following criteria:

   1. (1) Graduation from an accredited school of optometry within 7 years before applying for certification in Maryland.

   2. (2) Certification to use diagnostic pharmaceutical agents in another state which included completion of not less than 70 credit hours in diagnostic pharmaceutical agents if the optometrist:

      1. (a) Submits to the Board proof of certification to use diagnostic pharmaceutical agents in the other state.

      2. (b) Submits to the Board documentation that the original certification included at least 70 credit hours in diagnostic pharmaceutical agents. This documentation may be from either:

         1. (i) The state board that granted the original certification;
         2. (ii) The college, university, association, or other sponsors of the 70 credit hours in diagnostic pharmaceutical agents; or
         3. (iii) Any other organization approved by the Board.
   3. (3) Successful completion of a course in diagnostic pharmaceutical agents of at least 70 credit hours given by an accredited college or faculty approved by the Board within 7 years before applying for certification in Maryland.
2. B. The credit hours taken for initial certification in diagnostic pharmaceutical agents may be included as part of the hours of continuing education required for biennial license renewal.
3. C. To complete the certification process, the optometrist shall submit proof of current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the Board.

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§11-101, 11-205, and 11-404, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: May 14, 1990 (17:9 Md. R. 1090)

Regulation .01 amended effective July 31, 2017 (44:15 Md. R. 760)

Regulation .02A, B amended effective November 20, 1994 (21:33 Md. R. 1933); July 31, 2017 (44:15 Md. R. 760)

Regulation .03 amended effective March 4, 2002 (29:4 Md. R. 417)

Regulation .04 amended effective November 20, 1994 (21:33 Md. R. 1933)

Regulation .04D amended effective July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 656)