(A) In addition to the grounds for disciplinary action provided in Chapter 1 of Title 40, the board may revoke, suspend, reprimand, or otherwise restrict or limit the license of an optometrist or reprimand or otherwise discipline a licensee when it is established to the satisfaction of the board that the licensee:
(1) has been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; forfeiture of a bond or a plea of nolo contendere is considered a conviction;
(2) has knowingly performed an act that in any way assists a person to practice optometry illegally;
(3) has caused to be published or circulated, directly or indirectly, fraudulent, false, or misleading statements as to the skill or methods of practice of an optometrist;
(4) has failed to provide and maintain reasonable sanitary facilities;
(5) is guilty of obtaining fees or assisting in obtaining fees under deceptive, false, or fraudulent circumstances;
(6) has violated a provision of this chapter or regulations promulgated under this chapter;
(7) has been guilty of using third-party solicitation that is untruthful, deceptive, or coercive to obtain patronage.
(B) In addition to all other remedies and actions provided for in this chapter, the license of an optometrist adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction automatically must be suspended by the board until the optometrist is adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction or in any other manner provided by law as being restored to mental competency.
HISTORY: 2005 Act No. 135, Section 1.
Editor's Note
Prior Laws:1917 (30) 1; Civ. C. '22 Section 2466; 1932 Code Sections 5244, 5245; 1937 (40) 394; 1942 Code Sections 5244, 5245; 1952 Code Section 56-1077; 1962 Code Section 56-1077; 1968 (55) 2709; 1978 Act No. 570, Section 12; 1982 Act No. 395, Section 1; 1976 Code Section 40-37-220.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
Section 40-37-5. Application of chapter; conflicts of law.
Section 40-37-20. Definitions.
Section 40-37-30. Licensing requirement; practice of optometry.
Section 40-37-40. Powers and duties of board; seal.
Section 40-37-50. Administration of board; assessment, collection and adjustment of fees.
Section 40-37-80. Investigation of complaints; administration of oaths; subpoena of documents.
Section 40-37-90. Investigation results presented to board; disciplinary action.
Section 40-37-100. Civil penalties and injunctive relief.
Section 40-37-110. Grounds for discipline; suspension of license on finding of mental incompetence.
Section 40-37-115. Jurisdiction.
Section 40-37-120. Basis for disciplinary action.
Section 40-37-150. Voluntary surrender of license.
Section 40-37-170. Assessment of investigation and prosecution costs.
Section 40-37-180. Payment and collection of costs.
Section 40-37-190. Confidentiality.
Section 40-37-200. Penalties for unlawful practice.
Section 40-37-230. Denial of license.
Section 40-37-235. Denial of license on basis of prior criminal record.
Section 40-37-240. Licensure requirements; display, renewal, and reinstatement of license.
Section 40-37-245. Licensure by endorsement; requirements.
Section 40-37-290. Purchasing, prescribing, and administering pharmaceutical agents.
Section 40-37-310. Referrals for treatment of eye diseases; glaucoma treatment; eye surgery.
Section 40-37-325. Multiple offices; display of license.
Section 40-37-350. Exceptions from application of chapter.
Section 40-37-360. Price of eyeglasses.
Section 40-37-370. Maintenance of laboratory.
Section 40-37-390. Unlawful advertising practices.