S.C. Code Ann. § 40-37-290 – Construction of chapter as to number of offices permitted; registration certificate required for each location; office hours; mobile units

(A) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to limit the number or to prescribe or restrict the location of offices each individual optometrist or group of optometrists may operate. Every optometrist must display a separate registration certified by the board in each location in which the optometrist practices. Duplicate registrations may be obtained from the board by filing an application on a form prescribed by the board and paying the prescribed fees.
(B) Each office shall post in a conspicuous place the office hours that will be maintained. Office hours must be determined as those hours in which a licensed optometrist is actually present on the premises. This section may not prevent the office from being open for the purpose of accepting appointments or payments or performing other duties that by law do not require the presence of a licensed optometrist. Advertisements or any other public announcement of office hours must specify those hours in which a licensed optometrist is present on the premises.
Mobile units may be used. However, an optometrist practicing in a mobile unit shall obtain a registration for the mobile unit from the board. A mobile unit must be limited to visiting and providing services to licensed health care facilities within the State.
(C) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (A), the board may promulgate regulations regarding optometrists' offices so as to provide for:
1. (1) adequate and appropriate office facilities for the practice of optometry;
2. (2) the proper handling of patient records; and
3. (3) appropriate sanitation for office facilities.