Ch. 245                                    2003 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(2)     "Replacement contact lens prescription" means a prescription
prepared by a licensed optometrist containing the information specified in this section
and written expressly for the purpose of providing lenses which have already been
properly fitted.

(3)     "Immediate follow-up care" is that period of contact lens fitting time
required to reach a contact lens prescription that is appropriate to the documented
clinical needs of the patient.

(b)     A licensed optometrist shall ensure that each replacement contact lens
prescription that the licensed optometrist prescribes for contact lenses:

(1)     Contains all the information necessary for the replacement contact
lens prescription to be properly dispensed, including but not limited to the:

(i) Lens manufacturer;

(ii) Type of lens;

(iii) Power of the lens, INCLUDING PLANO OR ZERO-POWERED
CONTACT LENSES;

(iv)    Base curve;

(v)     Lens size;

(vi)    Name of the patient;

(vii)    Date the prescription was given to the patient;

(viii) Name and office location of the licensed optometrist who
writes the replacement contact lens prescription; and

(ix) Expiration date of the replacement contact lens prescription;
and

(2)     Is reduced to writing and placed in the patient's permanent file.

(c)      (1) (i) After a licensed optometrist releases the patient from
immediate follow-up care, the patient may request the replacement contact lens
prescription from the licensed optometrist.

(ii) If, after examination, the patient's prescription has not changed
since the last examination, a licensed optometrist shall comply with the provisions of
paragraph (2) of this subsection without requiring the patient to purchase contact
lenses or to undergo immediate follow-up care.

(2) (i) Upon the request of a patient of a licensed optometrist, and
without cost to the patient, the licensed optometrist shall provide the patient's
replacement contact lens prescription to the patient or the patient's designee.

(ii) In responding to a request under paragraph (1)(i) of this
subsection, a licensed optometrist shall transmit the contact lens prescription by
mail, telephone, facsimile, e-mail, or any other means of communication that will,

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