PURPOSE: This rule states the requirements and procedures for obtaining a license by reciprocity.

1. (1) The board may issue a license to practice optometry by reciprocity and without examination to an individual licensed in another state which the board determines has licensing standards substantially equivalent to the standards in Missouri. The applicant shall provide the following documentation to the board:

   1. (A) A completed application with the application and license fees;
   2. (B) Proof that the applicant has successfully completed an optometry licensure examination in any state of the United States substantially equivalent to the licensure examination required in Missouri;
   3. (C) Proof that the applicant has been engaged in active clinical practice for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the application;
   4. (D) Proof that the applicant is registered or certified in the state from which s/he is applying for reciprocity to use diagnostic pharmaceutical agents and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents under the guidelines established in that state for registration and/or certification;
   5. (E) Certification from each state in which s/he is currently licensed verifying that the applicant is in good standing and has never had his/her license to practice in that state disciplined in any manner and that the applicant is not the subject of any pending complaints;
   6. (F) Proof of submission of fingerprints to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s approved vendor for both a Missouri State Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint background check. Any fees due for fingerprint background checks shall be paid by the applicant directly to the Missouri State Highway Patrol or its approved vendor; and
   7. (G) Such additional information as the board may request to determine eligibility for licensure by reciprocity.
2. (2) The board may require a reciprocity applicant to successfully complete an oral interview, an oral examination or a clinical examination if it is determined by the board that the licensing standards from the applicant’s state of licensure are not substantially equivalent to the standards required in this state. 20 CSR 2210-2
3. (3) All applicants for licensure by reciprocity shall satisfactorily complete a written open book examination on Missouri Optometric Law with a score of seventy-five percent (75%) or greater within one (1) year prior to licensure.

AUTHORITY: sections 336.090 and 336.160.1, RSMo 2000.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 210-2.011. Original rule filed Oct. 14, 1981, effective Jan. 14, 1982. Amended: Filed April 13, 1982, effective July 11, 1982. Amended: Filed March 4, 1983, effective June 11, 1983. Amended: Filed May 31, 1991, effective Oct. 31, 1991. Amended: Filed Jan. 3, 1992, effective May 14, 1992. Amended: Filed Aug. 11, 1992, effective Feb. 26, 1993. Amended: Filed April 18, 1996, effective Oct. 30, 1996. Amended: Filed June 28, 2002, effective Dec. 30, 2002. Moved to 20 CSR 2210-2.011, effective Aug. 28, 2006. Amended: Filed Nov. 29, 2006, effective May 30, 2007. *Original authority: 336.090, RSMo 1939, amended 1943, 1981 and 336.160.1, RSMo 1939, amended 1947, 1963, 1981.