New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 13 - LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Chapter 38 - NEW JERSEY STATE BOARD OF OPTOMETRISTS
Subchapter 2 - GENERAL RULES OF OPTOMETRIC PRACTICE
Section 13:38-2.12 - Preceptorship program

1. The clinical training, when performed in the preceptor's office shall be classified as a preceptorship program.

2. The college of optometry shall submit to the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists a detailed description of its preceptorship program, indicating procedures for monitoring such programs, procedures for selection of preceptors, the number of weeks during which such programs will be in effect, and other pertinent information for the Board's approval.

3. The college of optometry shall provide the Board with the name and address of the preceptor under whose supervision the student shall work, the name and address of the student, and the dates of preceptorship.

4. The college of optometry shall select the preceptors and shall submit those names to the New Jersey State Board of Optometrists. Such preceptor shall have been engaged in the practice of optometry in the State of New Jersey for at least five years immediately preceding the application. The Board shall issue a Certificate of Preceptorship which shall be valid no longer than one year from the date of issuance and which shall be displayed conspicuously on the office premises of the preceptor. The preceptor shall inform his or her patients of the student's status prior to the submission of the patient to examination by the student.

5. All tests referred to in 13:38-2.1 may be performed by the student; provided however that during the performance of any such tests, the preceptor shall be on the premises and immediately available for supervision at all times. All student evaluations of the patient shall be reviewed by the preceptor prior to final determination of the case and before the patient leaves the premises. A preceptor shall at all times be responsible for the effective supervision and direction of the student.

6. The preceptor shall not supervise more than one student and supervision shall not be delegated without the approval of the college of optometry.

7. Under no circumstances shall the student be paid for the preceptorship experience.

8. Failure of the student or preceptor to follow the provisions of this section shall constitute a violation of 45:1-14 et seq.