43-13-01. Definitions.
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In this chapter, unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:
1. "Board" means the North Dakota state board of optometry.
2. "Diagnosis and treatment" means the determination, interpretation, and treatment of
any visual, muscular, neurological, interpretative, or anatomical anomaly of the eye
which may be aided, relieved, or corrected through visual training procedures or
through the use of lenses, prisms, filters, ophthalmic instruments, pharmaceutical
agents, or combinations thereof, held either in contact with the eye, or in frames or
mountings, as further authorized by this chapter. Laser therapy and the use of invasive
surgery are not permitted under this chapter, except superficial foreign bodies may be
removed and primary care procedures may be performed.
3. " Distant site provider" means a provider of optometric services through telemedicine
from a site other than the patient's origination site. A distant site provider must hold an
active license to practice optometry in this state.
4. "Optometric services" means any evaluation, examination, diagnosis, or treatment
provided for a patient within the scope of practice of optometry. The term includes the
prescription of pharmaceutical agents by a provider to a patient.
5. "Pharmaceutical agent" means diagnostic pharmaceutical agents or therapeutic
pharmaceutical agents. The term includes nonscheduled pharmaceutical agents,
except for acetaminophen with thirty milligrams of codeine, that have documented use
in the treatment of ocular-related disorders or diseases. As used in this subsection:
a. "Diagnostic pharmaceutical agents" means pharmaceutical agents administered
for the evaluation and diagnosis of disorders of the human eye including
anesthetics, mydriatics, myotics, cycloplegics, diagnostic dyes, diagnostic stains,
and pharmaceutical agents to evaluate abnormal pupil responses.
b. "Therapeutic pharmaceutical agents" includes topically administered and
prescribed pharmaceutical agents for treatment of ocular-related disorders or
disease, locally administered pharmaceutical agents for primary eye care
procedures, oral anti-infective agents, oral antihistaminic agents, and oral
analgesics for the treatment of ocular-related disorders or diseases.
6. "Practicing optometry" means:
a. Displaying a sign or in any way advertising as an optometrist.
b. Employing any means for the measurement of the powers of vision or the
adaptation of lenses for the aid thereof.
c. Engaging in any manner in the practice of optometry.