30 Miss. Code. R. 2901-8.5 - Other Provisions

No optometrist shall enter into an arrangement:

(a) allowing, permitting, encouraging, forbearing, or condoning any advertisement, including those placed in a newspaper, magazine, brochure, flier, telephone directory, or on television or radio, which implies or suggests that the licensed practitioner is professionally associated or affiliated with an entity which itself is not a licensed practitioner;

(b) occupying or otherwise using professional office space in any manner which does not clearly and sufficiently indicate to the public that his/her practice of optometry is independent of and not associated or affiliated with an entity which itself is not a licensed practitioner;

(c) using or employing office staff in any manner that implies or suggests that the licensed practitioner is professionally associated or affiliated with an entity which itself is not a licensed practitioner;

(d) failing to have a telephone listing and number that is separate and distinct from that of an entity which itself is not a licensed practitioner;

(e) answering the telephone, or allowing the telephone to be answered, in a manner that does not clearly and distinctly identify his/her independent optometric practice, or in a manner that implies or suggests that the licensed practitioner is professionally associated or affiliated with an entity which itself is not a licensed practitioner;

(f) accepting reduced rent or lease payments based upon the number of patients examined or treated or based upon the number of prescriptions written;

(g) agreeing to any arrangement for the furnishing of equipment, supplies, or office staff that in any way impairs, limits, or restricts the licensed practitioner's full and independent professional judgement and responsibility;

(h) failing to maintain full and independent control and discretion over fees charged to patients for optometric services and materials, including billing methods, except in the case of an association, partnership, or employment relationship which is permitted under the rules.

(i) Accepting a commission for the writing or filling of any optometric prescription.

(j) Nothing in these rules shall prevent a licensed practitioner from associating with a multidisciplinary group of licensed health care professionals, the primary objective of which is the diagnosis and treatment of the human body. A licensed practitioner may also employ, or form a partnership or professional association with, other licensed practitioners, or with other licensed health care professionals, the primary objective of whom is the diagnosis and treatment of the human body. A licensed practitioner may also be a contract provider for health maintenance organizations.

Notes

30 Miss. Code. R. 2901-8.5

Miss Code Ann. § 73-19-1; § 73-19-3; § 73-19-9

Amended 11/21/2022