DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
OPTOMETRY - GENERAL RULES  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory  
affairs by sections 16145, 16148, 16174, 16287, and 17431 of the public health code,  
1978 PA 368, MCL 333.16145, 333.16148, 333.16174, 333.16287, and 333.17431 and  
Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1991-9, 1996-2, 2003-1, and 2011-4, MCL  
338.3501, 445.2001, 445.2011, and 445.2030)  
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS  
R 338.301 Definitions.  
Rule 1. As used in these rules:  
(a) “Adverse drug reaction" means an adverse physical or psychological reaction that  
is experienced by a person resulting from diagnostic therapeutic agents administered by  
an optometrist and that occurs within 24 hours after the drug is administered. An adverse  
drug reaction may be indicated by symptoms that include any of the following:  
(i) Red eye.  
(ii) Painful eye.  
(iii) Decrease in vision.  
(iv) Pale or red swelling of the periocular or periorbital tissues.  
(v) Nausea.  
(vi) Vomiting.  
(vii) Fainting.  
(viii) Mental confusion.  
(ix) Cessation of respiration.  
(b) "Board" means the Michigan board of optometry.  
(c) "Classroom hour," for the purpose of determining whether a course of study meets  
the requirements of section 17412(2)(a) or 17435(2)(b) of the code, MCL  
333.17412(2)(a) or MCL 333.17435(2)(b), means a 50 to 60 minute period of lecture,  
group discussion, or laboratory directly associated with a course in pharmacology. Time  
spent working in a clinic other than as part of a laboratory directly associated with a  
course in pharmacology does not qualify as a “classroom hour.”  
(d) “Code" means the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211  
(e) "Course of study in general and clinical pharmacology" means a course of study  
that is completed in a board-approved school or college, in general and clinical  
pharmacology as it relates to optometry, with the characteristics described in section  
17412(2)(a) of the code, MCL 333.17412(2)(a). Not less than 30 of the 60 classroom  
hours of the course of study must be allocated to ocular pharmacology and must  
emphasize the systemic effects of, and reactions to, topical ocular diagnostic  
Page 1  
Courtesy of Michigan Administrative Rules  
pharmaceutical agents, including the emergency management and referral of any adverse  
reactions that may occur.  
(f) "Course of study relating to the didactic and clinical use of therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agents" means a course of study that is comprised of a minimum of 10  
quarter hours or 7 semester hours of credit or 100 classroom hours of study, is completed  
in a board-approved school or college and is in subjects relating to the didactic and  
clinical use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents related to optometry.  
(g) "Department" means the Michigan department of licensing and regulatory affairs.  
(h) “Established patient” means a person who has received a professional service from  
a provider within the optometrist’s practice group within the preceding 3 years and 1 day  
of the last professional service received.  
(i) "Examination and evaluation,” means that term as defined in section 5553 of the  
code, MCL 333.5553.  
(j) “Informed consent for an established patient” means consent by a patient or his or  
her legal representative for treatment, medication, or services after there has been full  
disclosure of the facts needed for a patient or his or her legal representative to make a  
voluntary decision based on the elements of knowledge, comprehension, and willingness  
to receive the treatment, medication, or service.  
(k) “Informed consent for a new patient” means a written agreement or documentation  
of a verbal agreement by a patient or his or her legal representative for treatment,  
medication, or services after there has been full disclosure of the facts needed for a  
patient or his or her legal representative to make a voluntary decision based on the  
elements of knowledge, comprehension, and willingness to receive the treatment,  
medication, or service.  
(l) “New patient” means a patient who has not received a professional service from a  
provider in the optometrist’s practice group within the preceding 3 years and 1 day of the  
last professional service received.  
(m)“Telehealth,” means that term as defined in section 16283 of the code, MCL  
333.16283.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.302 Opioid and other controlled substances awareness training for  
prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances.  
Rule 2. An individual who applies for a controlled substance license or who is licensed  
to prescribe or dispense controlled substances shall complete training in opioid and  
controlled substances awareness as prescribed in R 338.3135.  
History: 2019 AACS.  
R 338.303 Training standards for identifying victims of human trafficking;  
requirements.  
Rule 3. (1) Pursuant to section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, an individual who is  
licensed or seeking licensure shall complete training in identifying victims of human  
trafficking that meets the following standards:  
(a) Training content that covers all of the following:  
(i) Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in this state or the  
United States.  
(ii) Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.  
(iii) Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for  
adults and minors.  
(iv) Identifying resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.  
(b) Acceptable providers or methods of training include any of the following:  
(i) Training offered by a nationally recognized or state recognized health-related  
organization.  
(ii) Training offered by, or in conjunction with, a state or federal agency.  
(iii) Training obtained in an educational program that has been approved by the board  
for initial licensure, or by a college or university.  
(iv) Reading an article related to the identification of victims of human trafficking  
that meets the requirements of subdivision (a) of this subrule and is published in a peer  
review journal, health care journal, or professional or scientific journal.  
(c) Acceptable modalities of training may include any of the following:  
(i) Teleconference or webinar.  
(ii) Online presentation.  
(iii) Live presentation.  
(iv) Printed or electronic media.  
(2) The department may select and audit a sample of individuals and request  
documentation of proof of completion of training. If audited by the department, an  
individual shall provide an acceptable proof of completion of training, including either of  
the following:  
(a) Proof of completion certificate issued by the training provider that includes the  
date, provider name, name of training, and individual’s name.  
(b) A self-certification statement by an individual. The certification statement shall  
include the individual’s name and either of the following:  
(i) For training completed pursuant to subrule (1)(b)(i) to (iii) of this rule, the date,  
training provider name, and name of training.  
(ii) For training completed pursuant to subrule (1)(b)(iv) of this rule, the title of  
article, author, publication name of peer review journal, health care journal, or  
professional or scientific journal, and date, volume, and issue of publication, as  
applicable.  
(3) Pursuant to section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, the requirements specified  
in subrule (1) of this rule apply for license renewals beginning with the 2019 renewal  
cycle and for an initial license issued on or after December 21, 2021.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.304 Rescinded.  
History: 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.305 Professional optometric degree program; approval standards.  
Rule 5. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the standards of the  
Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) set forth in the publication  
entitled "Accreditation Manual: Professional Optometric Degree Programs" revised  
January 2019, and updated August 2019, which provide for the accreditation of  
professional optometric degree programs.  
(2) A professional optometric degree program accredited by the ACOE is considered  
approved by the board.  
(3) Copies of the Accreditation Manual of the ACOE are available free of charge from  
the American Optometric Association’s website at https://www.aoa.org/optometrists/for-  
educators/accreditation-council-on-optometric-education/accreditation-resources-and-  
guidance/optometric-degree-programs-. Printed copies also are available for inspection  
and distribution at a cost of 10 cents per page from the Bureau of Professional Licensing,  
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 W. Ottawa, P.O.  
Box 30670, Lansing, Michigan 48909.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.306 Telehealth services; requirements.  
Rule 6. (1) An optometrist who provides telehealth services shall obtain informed  
consent for an established patient or informed consent for a new patient before providing  
a telehealth service pursuant to section 16284 of the code, MCL 333.16284.  
(2) An optometrist who provides a telehealth service shall maintain evidence of the  
informed consent in the patient record and shall retain evidence of the informed consent  
in compliance with section 16213 of the code, MCL 333.16213.  
(3) An optometrist who provides a telehealth service shall comply with section 16285  
of the code, MCL 333.16285.  
(4) An optometrist providing a telehealth service may prescribe a drug if the optometrist  
is a prescriber acting within the scope of his or her practice and in compliance with  
section 16285 the code, MCL 333.16285, if he or she does both of the following:  
(a) If medically necessary, refers the patient to a provider that is geographically  
accessible to the patient.  
(b) Makes himself or herself available to provide follow up care services to the patient  
or to refer the patient to another provider for follow up care.  
(5) An optometrist may provide a telehealth service only when he or she complies with  
all of the following:  
(a) Part 174 of the code, MCL 333.17401 to 333.17437.  
(b) The eye care consumer protection law, part 55A of the code, MCL 333.5551 to  
333.5571, including the duty to perform an examination and evaluation, pursuant to  
sections 5551 to 5559 of the code, MCL 333.5551 to 333.5559.  
(6) An optometrist who provides a telehealth service shall exercise the same standard of  
care applicable to a traditional, face-to-face health care service, including any necessary  
face-to-face appointments with a patient to assess, reassess, and update the patient’s  
medical condition and the effectiveness of treatment modalities.  
History: 2019 AACS.  
PART 2. LICENSES  
R 338.307 Licensure by examination.  
Rule 7. (1) An applicant for a Michigan optometry license by examination shall  
submit a completed application on forms provided by the department, together with the  
requisite fee. In addition to meeting the requirements under sections 16174 and 17411 of  
the code, MCL 333.16174 and MCL 333.17411, an applicant shall satisfy the  
requirements of this rule.  
(2) An applicant shall have graduated from a professional optometric degree program  
approved by the board, pursuant to R 338.305, and hold the doctor of optometry degree.  
(3) An applicant shall have achieved a passing score on parts I, II, and III of the  
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations, including a passing  
score on the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) examination  
imbedded in part II and is given by the NBEO or its successor organization.  
(4) An applicant shall have achieved a minimum scaled score of 75 on the  
examination of state laws and rules related to the practice of optometry that is developed  
and administered by the department, or an entity approved by the department.  
History: 2016 AACS.  
R 338.309 Licensure by endorsement.  
Rule 9. An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall hold an active license in good  
standing in another state or province of Canada and submit a completed application on a  
form provided by the department, together with the requisite fee. In addition to meeting  
the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code, an  
applicant shall comply with all of the following requirements as noted by (√):  
(a) An applicant who is licensed Licensed for less than 3 Licensed 3 years or more.  
in another state.  
years.  
(i)  
Establish that he or she is  
of good moral character  
as defined under 1974  
PA 381, MCL 338.41 to  
338.47.  
Submit fingerprints as  
required under section  
16174(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174.  
√
√
√
(ii)  
√
√
(iii) Graduate from a school  
of optometry approved  
by the board pursuant to  
R 338.305.  
(iv) Achieve a passing score  
on parts I, II, and III of  
the NBEO examination,  
including a passing score  
√
√
on  
the  
TMOD  
examination given by  
NBEO or its successor  
organization.  
(v)  
Achieve  
a
minimum  
scaled score of 75 on the  
examination of Michigan  
laws and rules related to  
the practice of optometry  
that is developed and  
administered by the  
department, or an entity  
√
approved  
by  
the  
department.  
(vi) Hold a license in good  
standing granting  
therapeutic prescriptive  
certification at the  
√
√
highest level authorized  
in the state of the United  
States  
where  
the  
applicant is currently  
licensed.  
(vii) Hold  
a
valid  
cardiopulmonary  
resuscitation  
√
√
(CPR)  
certificate issued by any  
of the following:  
(A) The Red Cross.  
(B) The American Heart  
Association.  
(C)  
An  
accredited  
hospital.  
(D) An organization or  
institution comparable to  
those  
identified  
in  
subparagraphs (A) to (C)  
of this paragraph.  
(viii) Comply with both of the  
following:  
√
√
(A)  
Disclose each  
license, registration, or  
certification in a health  
profession or specialty  
issued by any other state,  
the  
United  
States  
military, the federal  
government, or another  
country  
application form.  
(B) Satisfy the  
on  
the  
requirements of section  
16174(2) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174, which  
includes  
verification  
from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
proceedings are not  
pending  
against  
the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the  
time of application.  
(b)  
An applicant who is Licensed less than 10 Licensed 10 years or more.  
licensed in  
Canada.  
a
province of years.  
(i)  
Establish that he or she is  
of good moral character  
as defined under 1974  
PA 381, MCL 338.41 to  
338.47.  
√
√
(ii)  
Submit fingerprints as  
required under section  
16174(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174.  
√
√
√
√
√
(iii) Graduate from a school  
of optometry approved  
by the board pursuant to  
R 338.305.  
(iv) Achieve a passing score  
on parts I, II, and III of  
the NBEO examination,  
including a passing score  
on  
the  
TMOD  
examination given by  
NBEO or its successor  
organization.  
(v)  
Achieve  
a
minimum  
scaled score of 75 on the  
examination of Michigan  
√
√
laws and rules related to  
the practice of optometry  
that is developed and  
administered by the  
department, or an entity  
approved  
by  
the  
department.  
(vi) Hold a license in good  
standing granting  
therapeutic prescriptive  
certification at the  
√
√
highest level authorized  
in the province of  
Canada  
where  
the  
applicant is currently  
licensed.  
(vii) Hold  
a
valid CPR  
certificate issued by any  
of the following:  
√
√
(A) The Red Cross.  
(B) The American Heart  
Association.  
(C)  
An  
accredited  
hospital.  
(D) An organization or  
institution comparable to  
those  
identified  
in  
subparagraphs (A) to (C)  
of this paragraph.  
(viii) Comply with both of the  
following:  
√
√
(A)  
Disclose each  
license, registration, or  
certification in a health  
profession or specialty  
issued by any other state,  
the  
United  
States  
military, the federal  
government, or another  
country  
application form.  
(B) Satisfy the  
on  
the  
requirements of section  
16174(2) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174, which  
includes  
verification  
from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
proceedings are not  
pending  
against  
the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the  
time of application.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.311 Limited licenses.  
Rule 11. (1) The board may issue an educational limited license, pursuant to section  
16182(2)(a) of the code, MCL 333.16182, to an individual who meets the requirements of  
the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code and who has graduated  
from a board-approved professional optometric degree program, or who will graduate  
from the program not more than 3 months after applying for an educational limited  
license, and who is enrolled in a postgraduate course of study or participates in a  
residency program that is offered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or  
a board-approved institution.  
(2) The board may issue a clinical academic limited license, pursuant to section  
16182(2)(c) of the code, MCL 333.16182, to an individual who meets the requirements of  
the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code and who is a graduate  
of a board-approved professional optometric degree program and who is employed as a  
faculty member at a board-approved professional optometric degree program. An  
optometrist who is licensed under this subrule may perform procedures upon patients  
while employed as a faculty member at a board-approved professional optometric degree  
program, if these procedures are performed under the general supervision of a faculty  
member who is fully licensed as an optometrist. An individual who is licensed under this  
subrule shall not do either of the following:  
(a) Hold himself or herself out to the public as being engaged in the practice of  
optometry other than as a faculty member.  
(b) Provide optometric services outside of his or her employment as a faculty member.  
(3) An individual who applies for a limited license under section 16182(2)(a) or (c) of  
the code, MCL 333.16182(2), shall meet all of the following requirements:  
(a) Comply with section 16174 of the code, MCL 333.16174.  
(b) Submit proof of graduation from an accredited professional optometric degree  
program that is approved by the board or from a non-accredited professional optometric  
degree program that is approved by the board, pursuant to R 338.305.  
(c) Submit proof of appointment to either of the following:  
(i) A postgraduate course of study or a residency program, pursuant to subrule (1) of  
this rule.  
(ii) A faculty position at a board-approved professional optometric degree program,  
pursuant to subrule (2) of this rule.  
(4) Limited licenses, pursuant to subrules (1) and (2) of this rule, may be renewed  
annually at the discretion of the board.  
(5) Applicants for renewal of a clinical academic limited license shall submit evidence  
of having completed 10 hours of board-approved continuing education in  
pharmacological management of ocular conditions required for the year.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.313 Relicensure.  
Rule 13. (1) An applicant whose Michigan license has lapsed may be relicensed under  
section 16201(3) or (4) of the code, MCL 333.16201, as applicable, if the applicant meets  
the requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated under the code and  
satisfies the following requirements as noted by (√):  
(a) An applicant who has let his Lapsed  
3 Lapsed more than Lapsed 6 years or  
or her Michigan license lapse and years or less. 3 years, but less more.  
is not currently licensed in  
another state or in Canada.  
than 6 years.  
(i)  
Submit  
application on a form  
provided by the  
a
completed  
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
department, together with  
the required fee.  
(ii)  
Establish that he or she is  
of good moral character  
as defined under 1974  
PA 381, MCL 338.41 to  
338.47.  
Submit fingerprints as  
required under section  
16174(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174.  
√
√
√
(iii)  
(iv)  
Submit proof of having  
completed 40 hours of  
continuing education as  
√
required  
under  
R
338.321, which was  
earned within the 2-year  
period  
immediately  
preceding the date of  
relicensure, subject to  
both of the following:  
(A) At least 2 of the 40  
hours of continuing  
education must be in pain  
and  
symptom  
management, as provided  
under R 338.321(3).  
(B)  
administer  
If certified to  
therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agents, at  
least 20 of the 40 hours  
of continuing education  
must  
be  
in  
pharmacological  
management of ocular  
conditions, as provided  
in R 338.321(2), and the  
applicant shall hold a  
current CPR certificate.  
(v)  
Achieve  
a
minimum  
scaled score of 75 on the  
examination of Michigan  
laws and rules related to  
the practice of optometry  
that is developed and  
administered by the  
department, or an entity  
√
√
approved  
by  
the  
department.  
(vi)  
Achieve a passing score  
on parts I, II, and III of  
the NBEO examination,  
including a passing score  
√
on  
the  
Continued  
Professional  
Development  
Optometry  
in  
(CPDO)  
examination given by  
NBEO or its successor  
organization.  
(vii)  
An applicant who is or  
has ever been licensed,  
registered, or certified in  
a health profession or  
specialty by any other  
state, the United States  
military, the federal  
government, or another  
country, shall do both of  
the following:  
√
√
√
(A)  
license, registration, or  
certification on the  
Disclose each  
application form.  
(B)  
Satisfy the  
requirements of section  
16174(2) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174, which  
includes  
verification  
from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
proceedings  
pending  
are not  
against the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the  
time of application.  
(b) An applicant who has let his Lapsed  
3 Lapsed more than Lapsed 6 years or  
or her Michigan license lapse and years or less. 3 years, but less more.  
is currently licensed in another  
state or in Canada.  
than 6 years.  
(i)  
Submit  
application on a form  
provided by the  
a
completed  
√
√
√
√
√
√
√
department, together with  
the required fee.  
(ii)  
Establish that he or she is  
of good moral character  
as defined under 1974  
PA 381, MCL 338.41 to  
338.47.  
Submit fingerprints as  
required under section  
16174(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174.  
√
√
√
(iii)  
(iv)  
Submit proof of having  
completed 40 hours of  
continuing education as  
√
required  
under  
R
338.321, which was  
earned within the 2-year  
period  
immediately  
preceding the date of  
relicensure, subject to  
both of the following:  
(A) At least 2 of the 40  
hours of continuing  
education must be in pain  
and  
symptom  
management, as provided  
under R 338.321(3).  
(B)  
If certified to  
administer  
therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agents, at  
least 20 of the 40 hours  
of continuing education  
must  
be  
in  
pharmacological  
management of ocular  
conditions, as provided  
in R 338.321(2), and the  
applicant shall hold a  
current CPR certificate.  
(v)  
Achieve  
a
minimum  
scaled score of 75 on the  
examination of Michigan  
laws and rules related to  
the practice of optometry  
that is developed and  
administered by the  
department, or an entity  
√
√
approved  
by  
the  
department.  
(vi)  
An applicant who is or  
has ever been licensed,  
registered, or certified in  
a health profession or  
specialty by any other  
state, the United States  
military, the federal  
government, or another  
country, shall do both of  
the following:  
√
√
√
(A)  
license, registration, or  
certification on the  
application form.  
(B) Satisfy the  
Disclose each  
requirements of section  
16174(2) of the code,  
MCL 333.16174, which  
includes  
verification  
from the issuing entity  
showing that disciplinary  
proceedings  
pending  
are not  
against the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the  
time of application.  
(2) If relicensure is granted and it is determined that a sanction has been imposed by  
another state, the United States military, the federal government, or another country, the  
disciplinary subcommittee may impose appropriate sanctions under section 16174(5) of  
the code, MCL 333.16174.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.315 Certification to administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical  
agents; application; qualifications; adoption of standards; prohibitions.  
Rule 15. (1) An applicant for certification to administer a topical ocular diagnostic  
pharmaceutical agent in the practice of optometry shall submit a completed application,  
on a form provided by the department, together with the requisite fee. In addition to  
meeting the other requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated  
under the code, an applicant shall satisfy all of the following requirements:  
(a) Successfully complete a course of study in general and clinical pharmacology  
related to the practice of optometry as required in section 17412(2)(a) of the code, MCL  
333.17412. The course of study must include passing an examination on general and  
ocular pharmacology. The applicant has successfully completed the required course of  
study when he or she has been granted the credit hours designated for the course of study  
by the teaching institution where the course is offered.  
(b) Establish a board-approved emergency treatment plan, pursuant to section  
17412(2)(d) of the code, MCL 333.17412, for the management and referral of patients  
who experience any adverse drug reaction. To be board-approved, the emergency  
treatment plan must include all of the following:  
(i) Patient instructions related to an adverse drug reaction.  
(ii) A referral procedure for a patient reporting an adverse drug reaction.  
(iii) The names and contact information of not less than 3 physicians, clinics, or hospitals  
to whom the patient reporting an adverse drug reaction may be referred.  
(iv) A documentation procedure for the information to be included in the patient’s  
medical record regarding the report of an adverse drug reaction.  
(c) Successfully complete a course in CPR as required by section 17412(2)(c) of the  
code, MCL 333.17412, approved by the department of health and human services, and  
offered or approved by any of the following:  
(i) The Red Cross.  
(ii) The American Heart Association.  
(iii) An accredited hospital.  
(iv) An organization or institution comparable to those identified in paragraphs (i) to  
(iii) of this subdivision.  
(2) A licensed optometrist shall not use diagnostic pharmaceutical agents in the practice  
of optometry unless the optometrist has been certified by the board as being qualified to  
administer topical ocular diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.317 Certification to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical  
agents; application; qualifications.  
Rule 17. (1) An applicant for certification to administer and prescribe a therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agent in the practice of optometry shall submit a completed application,  
on a form provided by the department, together with the requisite fee. In addition to  
meeting the other requirements of the code and the administrative rules promulgated  
under the code, an applicant shall satisfy all of the following requirements:  
(a) Meet the certification requirements to administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents  
under R 338.315.  
(b) Successfully complete a course of study relating to the didactic and clinical use of  
therapeutic pharmaceutical agents as required in section 17435(2)(b) of the code, MCL  
333.17435.  
(c) Establish a board-approved management plan that complies with section  
17435(2)(c) of the code, MCL 333.17435.  
(2) A licensed optometrist shall not administer or prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical  
agents in the practice of optometry unless the optometrist has been certified by the board  
as being qualified to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
PART 3. CONTINUING EDUCATION  
R 338.319 Adoption of standards and criteria by reference; board approval by  
application.  
Rule 19. (1) The board approves and adopts by reference the standards and criteria of  
the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) for accreditation of an activity  
or qualification of a course that are set forth in the publications entitled “Activity  
Accreditation Manual,” revised February 2017, and “Course Qualification Manual,”  
revised February 2017. A copy of the publications may be obtained at no cost from the  
Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry’s website at http://www.arbo.org.  
Printed copies also are available for inspection and distribution at a cost of 10 cents per  
page from the Bureau of Professional Licensing, Department of Licensing and  
Regulatory Affairs, Ottawa Building, 611 W. Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing,  
Michigan 48909.  
(2) A continuing education program related to the practice of optometry that has been  
accredited by COPE is considered approved by the board.  
(3) A continuing education program that is not accredited by COPE or approved as  
provided in R 338.320 may apply for board approval by submitting an application to the  
department. The application must be received not less than 90 calendar days before the  
program presentation. The application must be reviewed by the board’s continuing  
education subcommittee. After review and recommendation of the program by the  
board’s continuing education subcommittee, approval of the continuing education  
program may be granted after a vote of the full board.  
(4) Applications for approval of a continuing education program must include all the  
following:  
(a) The sponsor’s name.  
(b) The sponsor’s address.  
(c) The program name.  
(d) The program date.  
(e) The program location.  
(f) The program outline, including all of the following:  
(i) An explanation of how the program is designed to further educate the licensee  
through acquisition and application of knowledge, which results in improved patient  
outcomes.  
(ii) The topics and the name of the speaker of each topic.  
(iii) The times of the specific topics and breaks included in the program.  
(g) The résumé of each speaker or instructor for the program.  
(h) A description of the delivery method, or methods to be used, and the techniques  
that will be employed to assure active participation.  
(i) A brief description of the sponsoring organization.  
(j) The name, title, and address of the program director and a description of his or her  
qualifications to direct the program.  
(k) A description of how participants will be notified that continuing education credit  
has been earned.  
(l) A description of the physical facilities or laboratory available to assure a proper  
learning environment.  
(m) A description of how attendance is monitored and the name of the person  
monitoring attendance.  
(n) The number of hours of course instruction including all of the following:  
(i) The number of hours related to clinical optometry, which may include any of the  
following COPE categories:  
(A) Contact lenses (CL).  
(B) Functional vision/pediatrics (FV).  
(C) General optometry (GO).  
(D) Low vision/vision impairment & rehabilitation (LV).  
(E) Public health (PB).  
(ii) The number of hours related to practice management, which may include the  
following COPE categories:  
(A) Practice management (PM).  
(B) Ethics/jurisprudence (EJ).  
(iii) The number of hours related to pharmaceutical management, which may include  
any of the following COPE categories:  
(A) Glaucoma (GL).  
(B) Injection skills (IS).  
(C) Laser procedures (LP).  
(D) Peri-operative management of ophthalmic surgery (PO).  
(E) Refractive surgery management (RS).  
(F) Surgery procedures (SP).  
(G) Treatment and management of ocular disease: anterior segment (AS).  
(H) Treatment and management of ocular disease: posterior segment (PS).  
(I) Neuro-optometry (NO).  
(J) Oral pharmaceuticals (OP).  
(K) Pharmacology (PH).  
(L) Principles of diagnosis (PD).  
(M) Systemic/ocular disease (SD).  
(iv) The number of hours related to pain management, which may include any of the  
following COPE categories:  
(A) Oral pharmaceuticals (OP).  
(B) Pharmacology (PH).  
(C) Treatment and management of ocular disease: anterior segment (AS).  
(D) Treatment and management of ocular disease: posterior segment (PS).  
(E) Functional vision/pediatrics (FV).  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.320 Approved continuing education; limitations; documentation.  
Rule 20. The board approves all of the following as continuing education if the subject  
matter falls within an approved COPE category as listed in R 338.319(4)(n):  
Activity and Proof of Completion  
Number of Continuing Education Hours  
Granted or Permitted for Activity  
(a)  
Successful completion of a course or Ten hours of continuing education are earned  
courses offered for credit by an accredited for each academic quarter credit hour earned.  
optometry school or college approved by  
the board under R 338.305.  
Fifteen hours of continuing education are  
earned for each academic semester credit  
If audited, a licensee shall submit an hour earned. Hours may be earned without  
official transcript documenting successful limitation.  
completion of the course.  
(b)  
Successful completion of a continuing One continuing education hour is earned for  
education program offered by an each 50 to 60 minutes of program attendance,  
accredited optometry school or college without limitation.  
approved by the board under R 338.319.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy  
of a letter or certificate of completion  
showing the licensee’s name, number of  
credits earned, sponsor name or the name  
of the organization that approved the  
program or activity for continuing  
education credit, and the date or dates on  
which the program was held or activity  
completed.  
(c)  
Attendance at a continuing education One continuing education hour is earned for  
program related to the practice of each 50 to 60 minutes of program attendance,  
optometry offered by an educational without limitation.  
program approved by the board under R  
338.319(3) or approved by another state  
board of optometry.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy  
of a letter or certificate of completion  
showing the licensee’s name, number of  
credits earned, sponsor name or the name  
of the organization that approved the  
program or activity for continuing  
education credit, and the date or dates on  
which the program was held or activity  
completed.  
(d)  
(e)  
Initial presentation of or at a continuing One continuing education hour in the  
education program approved by the board. appropriate COPE category is earned for  
each 50 to 60 minutes of program  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter presentation, without limitation.  
from the program’s sponsor, verifying the  
licensee’s presentation of educational  
materials and lecture at the continuing  
education program.  
Attendance at a continuing education One continuing education hour in clinical  
program related to optometric topics optometry is earned for each 50 to 60  
approved for category 1 continuing minutes of program attendance, limited to 8  
education by the Michigan board of hours per renewal cycle.  
medicine or the Michigan board of  
osteopathic medicine and surgery.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy  
of a letter or certificate of completion  
showing the licensee’s name, number of  
credits earned, sponsor name or the name  
of the organization that approved the  
program or activity for continuing  
education credit, and the date or dates on  
which the program was held or activity  
completed.  
(f)  
Attendance at a continuing education One continuing education hour in  
program  
related  
to  
optometric pharmacological management is earned for  
pharmacological topics approved for each 50 to 60 minutes of program attendance,  
continuing education by the Michigan limited to 8 hours per renewal period.  
board of pharmacy.  
Applicants for renewal who hold certification  
to administer topical ocular diagnostic  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy pharmaceutical agents or certification to  
of a letter or certificate of completion administer and prescribe therapeutic  
showing the licensee’s name, number of pharmaceutical agents, or both, may earn  
credits earned, sponsor name or the name hours without limitation.  
of the organization that approved the  
program or activity for continuing  
education credit, and the date or dates on  
which the program was held or activity  
completed.  
(g)  
Initial presentation of a scientific exhibit, Two hours of continuing education in clinical  
poster, or paper to a professional optometry are earned for each presentation.  
optometric organization.  
No additional credit shall be granted for  
preparation of the presentation.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a copy  
of the document presented with evidence  
of presentation or a letter from the  
program sponsor verifying the date of the  
presentation.  
(h)  
Initial publication of either of the Six hours of continuing education in clinical  
following: optometry are earned for serving as the  
(i) A scientific article relating to the primary author. Three hours of continuing  
practice of optometry in a peer-reviewed education in clinical optometry are earned for  
journal or periodical.  
serving as a secondary author.  
(ii) A chapter or a portion of a chapter  
related to the practice of optometry in  
either a professional health care textbook  
or peer-reviewed textbook.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a copy  
of the publication that identifies the  
licensee as the author or a publication  
acceptance letter and documentation of  
the peer-review process.  
(i)  
Participating on either of the following:  
Six hours of continuing education in clinical  
(i) A peer review committee dealing optometry are earned for participating on a  
with quality of patient care as it relates to committee. A maximum of 6 hours of  
the practice of optometry.  
continuing education may be earned for this  
(ii) A national or state committee, board, activity in each renewal period.  
council, or association related to the  
practice of optometry.  
Participation on a committee, board,  
council, or association is considered  
acceptable by the board if it enhances the  
participant’s  
knowledge  
and  
understanding of the field of optometry.  
If audited, the licensee shall submit a  
letter from an organization official  
verifying the licensee’s participation in at  
least 50% of the regularly scheduled  
meetings of the committee, board,  
council, or association.  
(j)  
Taking and passing any nationally Every 2 years, 12 hours of continuing  
recognized  
examination in optometry.  
advanced  
competency education in pharmacology management or  
clinical optometry are earned.  
History: 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.321 License renewal; continuing education, requirements, limitations.  
Rule 21. (1) An applicant for license renewal shall satisfy the requirements of the  
Public Health Code General Rules, R 338.7001 to R 338.7005, and shall accumulate not  
less than 40 continuing education hours approved by the board pursuant to R 338.319 or  
R 338.320 during the 2 years immediately preceding the date of application for renewal.  
(2) An applicant for license renewal who holds certification to administer topical ocular  
diagnostic pharmaceutical agents or certification to administer and prescribe therapeutic  
pharmaceutical agents, or both, shall do both of the following:  
(a) Accumulate not less than 20 hours of board-approved continuing education in  
pharmacological management of ocular conditions. The 20 required hours are part of,  
and not in addition to, the 40 hours required in subrule (1) of this rule. A continuing  
education program that falls within the COPE categories listed in R 338.319(4)(n)(iii)(A)  
to (M) meets the requirements of this subdivision.  
(b) Hold a valid CPR certificate issued by any of the following:  
(i) The Red Cross.  
(ii) The American Heart Association.  
(iii) An accredited hospital.  
(iv) An organization or institution comparable to those identified in paragraphs (i) to  
(iii) of this paragraph.  
(3) An applicant for license renewal shall accumulate not less than 2 hours of board  
approved continuing education in pain and symptom management related to the practice  
of optometry. A continuing education program that falls within the COPE categories  
listed in R 338.319(4)(n)(iv)(A) to (E) meets the requirements of this subrule. Continuing  
education hours in pain and symptom management, as they relate to the practice of  
optometry, may include, but are not limited to, the following:  
(a) Ethics and health policy related to pain.  
(b) Pain definitions.  
(c) Basic sciences related to pain, including pharmacology, psychology, sociology, and  
anthropology.  
(d) Clinical sciences related to pain, including specific pain conditions and pain in  
special contexts and settings.  
(e) Clinician-patient communications related to pain.  
(f) Management of pain, including evaluation and treatment; non-pharmacological and  
pharmacological management.  
(g) Ensuring quality pain care.  
(h) Michigan programs and resources relevant to pain.  
(4) A minimum of 20 of the required continuing education hours must be completed in a  
live, synchronous learning format. The remaining hours may be completed in any other  
format.  
(5) An applicant for license renewal may earn a maximum of 9 continuing education  
hours per licensure cycle in practice management. A continuing education program that  
falls within the COPE categories listed in R 338.319(4)(n)(ii)(A) and (B) meets the  
requirements of this subrule.  
(6) Submission of an application for renewal constitutes the applicant's certificate of  
compliance with the requirements of this rule. An optometrist shall retain documentation  
of meeting the requirements of this rule for a period of 4 years from the date of applying  
for license renewal. The board may require an applicant or licensee to submit evidence to  
demonstrate compliance with this rule. Failure to comply with this rule is a violation of  
section 16221(h) of the code, MCL 333.16221.  
(7) A request for a waiver under section 16205 of the code, MCL 333.16205, must be  
received by the department before the expiration date of the license.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2021 MR 23, Eff. Dec. 16, 2021.  
R 338.323 Rescinded.  
History: 2016 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
;