Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 216 - Department of health
Chapter 40 - Professional licensing and facility regulation
Subchapter 05 - Professional Licensing
Part 20 - Optometrists (216-RICR-40-05-20)
Section 216-RICR-40-05-20.5 - Advertising, Violations, Practices, Procedures and Severability

Current through September 18, 2024

20.5.1 Advertising

A. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-35.1-9(2)(ii), no optometrist licensed by and practicing in this state shall advertise by written or spoken word of a character tending to deceive or mislead the public.

B. An optometrist who holds him/herself out to be a specialist in a specific field of optometry practice shall include a statement in all advertisements that reads as follows, "The Rhode Island Department of Health licenses all optometrists in the general practice of optometry. The Department does not license or certify any optometrist as an expert or specialist in any field of practice."

C. In addition to §20.5.1(A) of this Part any and all advertising conducted by any optometrist shall conform to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 6-13.1, entitled "Deceptive Trade Practices Act."

D. Any person practicing pursuant to the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-35.1, shall be required to post his name on the premises where the services are being offered in such a manner as to be clearly visible to the public at the entrance to the premises and on any sign visible outside of the premises which offers the delivery of optometric services.

E. Advertisement of any type (electronic or print media) shall also include the name(s) and address(es) of the responsible optometrist(s).

20.5.2 Violations

Penalties for violations are in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-35.1-20.

20.5.3 Rules Governing Practices and Procedures

All hearings and reviews required under the provisions of the Act shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the rules and regulations regarding Practices and Procedures Before the Department of Health (Part 10-05-4 of this Title) and Access to Public Records (Part 10-05-1 of this Title).

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Rhode Island may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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