DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
OPTOMETRY - GENERAL RULES  
Filed with the secretary of state on December 16, 2021  
These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the secretary of state unless adopted  
under section 33, 44, or 45a(9) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA  
306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become  
effective 7 days after filing with the secretary of state.  
(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)  
R 338.305, R 338.309, R 338.311, R 338.313, R 338.315, R 338.317, R 338.319, R  
338.320, and R 338.321 of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended and R  
338.304 is rescinded, as follows:  
PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS  
R 338.304 Rescinded.  
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.  
PART 2. LICENSES  
R 338.309 Licensure by endorsement.  
August 26, 2021  
2
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.  
√
√
(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 state of the United  
States where the  
applicant is currently  
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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 on the  
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 are not  
pending against the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the  
time of application.  
(b) An applicant who is  
licensed in a province of  
Canada.  
Licensed less than 10  
years.  
Licensed 10 years or more.  
(i)  
Establish that he or she is  
of good moral character  
as defined under 1974  
√
√
4
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  
5
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 on the  
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 are not  
pending against the  
applicant and sanctions  
are not in force at the  
time of application.  
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  
6
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.  
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 a completed  
application on a form  
provided by the  
√
√
√
√
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  
7
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.  
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  
(v)  
√
√
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 in  
Optometry (CPDO)  
examination given by  
8
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) Disclose each  
license, registration, or  
certification on the  
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 are not  
pending 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 a completed  
application on a form  
provided by the  
√
√
√
√
department, together with  
the required fee.  
(ii)  
(iii)  
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.  
√
√
√
√
9
(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.  
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  
(v)  
√
√
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  
√
√
√
10  
country, shall do both of  
the following:  
(A) Disclose each  
license, registration, or  
certification on the  
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 are not  
pending 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.  
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.  
11  
(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.  
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.  
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.  
12  
(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:  
13  
(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).  
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  
hour earned. Hours may be earned without  
If audited, a licensee shall submit an  
official transcript documenting successful limitation.  
completion of the course.  
(b)  
Successful completion of a continuing  
education program offered by an  
accredited optometry school or college  
approved by the board under R 338.319.  
One continuing education hour is earned for  
each 50 to 60 minutes of program attendance,  
without limitation.  
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  
14  
which the program was held or activity  
completed.  
(c)  
Attendance at a continuing education  
program related to the practice of  
optometry offered by an educational  
program approved by the board under R  
338.319(3) or approved by another state  
board of optometry.  
One continuing education hour is earned for  
each 50 to 60 minutes of program attendance,  
without limitation.  
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  
education program approved by the board. appropriate COPE category is earned for  
each 50 to 60 minutes of program  
One continuing education hour in the  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter  
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  
program related to optometric topics  
approved for category 1 continuing  
education by the Michigan board of  
medicine or the Michigan board of  
osteopathic medicine and surgery.  
presentation, without limitation.  
One continuing education hour in clinical  
optometry is earned for each 50 to 60  
minutes of program attendance, limited to 8  
hours per renewal cycle.  
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  
program related to optometric  
pharmacological topics approved for  
continuing education by the Michigan  
One continuing education hour in  
pharmacological management is earned for  
each 50 to 60 minutes of program attendance,  
limited to 8 hours per renewal period.  
15  
board of pharmacy.  
Applicants for renewal who hold certification  
to administer topical ocular diagnostic  
pharmaceutical agents or certification to  
administer and prescribe therapeutic  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy  
of a letter or certificate of completion  
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,  
poster, or paper to a professional  
optometric organization.  
Two hours of continuing education in clinical  
optometry are earned for each presentation.  
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  
following:  
(i) A scientific article relating to the  
practice of optometry in a peer-reviewed  
journal or periodical.  
Six hours of continuing education in clinical  
optometry are earned for serving as the  
primary author. Three hours of continuing  
education in clinical optometry are earned for  
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:  
(i) A peer review committee dealing  
Six hours of continuing education in clinical  
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  
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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  
recognized advanced competency  
examination in optometry.  
Every 2 years, 12 hours of continuing  
education in pharmacology management or  
clinical optometry are earned.  
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.  
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(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.  
;