ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                             Ch. 245

under normal circumstances, result in the designee receiving the information within
7 business days after the patient's request.

(iii) The replacement contact lens prescription that the licensed
optometrist provides the patient under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:

1.       Shall contain the information necessary for the proper
duplication of the current prescription of the patient;

2.       Shall contain, subject to the provisions of subsection (d) of
this section, an expiration date for the replacement contact lens prescription of not
more than 24 months from the time the patient was first examined; and

3.       May contain wearing guidelines or specific instructions for
use of the contact lenses by the patient, or both.

(d)     The licensed optometrist shall enter into the patient's medical record the
valid clinical reasons for a shorter expiration date and shall provide the patient with
a written and oral explanation of the clinical reasons for a shorter expiration date.

(e)     When a patient's CONTACT LENS prescription is dispensed by a person
other than the licensed optometrist or a person associated directly or indirectly with
the licensed optometrist, the licensed optometrist is not liable for any injury to or
condition of a patient caused solely by the negligence of the dispenser.

(f)      A licensed optometrist who releases a replacement contact lens
prescription to a patient may provide the patient with a written statement that
wearing improperly fitted contact lenses may cause harm to the patient's eyes and
that the patient should have an eye examination if there are any changes in the
patient's vision, including pain or vision loss.

(g)     (1) A licensed optometrist who fills or provides a contact lens
prescription shall maintain a record of that prescription in accordance with § 4-403 of
the Health - General Article.

(2) A person other than a licensed optometrist who fills a contact lens
prescription shall maintain a record of that prescription for 5 years.

(h) The Board may impose a civil fine of no more than $1,000 on a licensed
optometrist who fails to provide a replacement contact lens prescription or who
knowingly dispenses contact lenses without a valid and unexpired replacement
contact lens prescription, or who otherwise fails to comply with this title.

11-504.

(a)     [Knowingly selling] SELLING or dispensing CONTACT LENSES OR
replacement contact lenses without a valid and unexpired PRESCRIPTION OR
replacement contact lens prescription shall be considered a violation of this title.

(b)     The Board shall investigate any alleged violation of this section or §
11-404.4 of this title and may, notwithstanding § 11-205 of this title:

(1) Issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and examine witnesses; and

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