text:
(a) To the extent not inconsistent with federal law, a licensed dispensing audiologist shall, before the consummation of a sale of a hearing aid that uses proprietary programming software or locked, nonproprietary programming software, provide the purchaser with a written notice in 12-point type or larger that states the following: “The hearing aid being purchased uses proprietary or locked programming software and can only be serviced or programmed at specific facilities or locations.” The written notice shall be signed by the purchaser before the sale. The licensed dispensing audiologist shall keep and maintain a copy of the notice in accordance with Section 2539.10.

(1) For purposes of this subdivision, the following definitions apply:

(A) “Proprietary programming software” means software used to program hearing aids that is supplied by a hearing aid distributor or manufacturer for the exclusive use by affiliated providers. This software is locked and inaccessible to nonaffiliated providers.

(B) “Locked, nonproprietary programming software” means software that any provider can render inaccessible to other hearing aid programmers.

(b) A licensed dispensing audiologist shall, upon the consummation of a sale of a hearing aid, deliver to the purchaser a written receipt, signed by or on behalf of the licensed dispensing audiologist, containing all of the following:

(1) The date of consummation of the sale.

(2) Specifications as to the make, serial number, and model number of the hearing aid or aids sold.

(3) The address of the principal place of business of the licensed dispensing audiologist, and the address and office hours at which the licensed dispensing audiologist shall be available for fitting or postfitting adjustments and servicing of the hearing aid or aids sold.

(4) A statement to the effect that the aid or aids delivered to the purchaser are used or reconditioned, as the case may be, if that is the fact.

(5) The number of the licensed dispensing audiologist’s license and the name and license number of any other hearing aid dispenser, temporary licensee, or audiologist who provided any recommendation or consultation regarding the purchase of the hearing aid.

(6) The terms of any guarantee or written warranty, required by Section 1793.02 of the Civil Code, made to the purchaser with respect to the hearing aid or hearing aids.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 266, Sec. 3. (AB 435) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 9. Dispensing Audiologists


kind: section

code: BPC

text:
(a) Whenever any of the following conditions are found to exist either from observations by the licensed audiologist or on the basis of information furnished by the prospective hearing aid user, a licensed audiologist shall, prior to fitting or selling a hearing aid to any individual, suggest to that individual in writing that the individual’s best interests would be served if they consult a licensed physician and surgeon specializing in diseases of the ear or, if none are available in the community, a duly licensed physician and surgeon:

(1) Visible congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear.

(2) History of, or active, drainage from the ear within the previous 90 days.

(3) History of sudden or rapidly progressive hearing loss within the previous 90 days.

(4) Acute or chronic dizziness.

(5) Unilateral hearing loss of sudden or recent onset within the previous 90 days.

(6) Significant air-bone gap (when generally acceptable standards have been established).

(7) Visible evidence of significant cerumen accumulation or a foreign body in the ear canal.

(8) Pain or discomfort in the ear.

(b) No referral for medical opinion need be made by any licensed audiologist in the instance of replacement only of a hearing aid that has been lost or damaged beyond repair within one year of the date of purchase. A copy of the written recommendation shall be retained by the licensed audiologist for the period provided for in Section 2539.10. A person receiving the written recommendation who elects to purchase a hearing aid shall sign a receipt for the same, and the receipt shall be kept with the other papers retained by the licensed audiologist for the period provided for in Section 2539.10. Nothing in this section required to be performed by a licensed audiologist shall mean that the licensed audiologist is engaged in the diagnosis of illness or the practice of medicine or any other activity prohibited by the provisions of this code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 510, Sec. 23. (SB 887) Effective January 1, 2024.)

division: 2. HEALING ARTS

article: 9. Dispensing Audiologists

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.3. Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Hearing Aid Dispensers > 9. Dispensing Audiologists


text: No hearing aid shall be sold by an individual licensed as an audiologist under this chapter to a person 16 years of age or younger, unless within the preceding six months a recommendation for a hearing aid has been made by both a board-certified, or a board-eligible physician specializing in otolaryngology, and by a state licensed audiologist. A replacement of an identical hearing aid within one year shall be an exception to this requirement.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 309, Sec. 12. (AB 1535) Effective January 1, 2010.)

chapter: 5.3. Speech-Language Pathologists, Audiologists, and Hearing Aid Dispensers

article: 9. Dispensing Audiologists


text:
A licensed dispensing audiologist shall, upon the consummation of a sale of a hearing aid, keep and maintain records in the licensed dispensing audiologist’s office or place of business at all times and each such record shall be kept and maintained for a seven-year period. These records shall include:

(a) Results of test techniques as they pertain to fitting of the hearing aid.

(b) A copy of the written notice and the written receipt required by Section 2539.4 and the written recommendation and receipt required by Section 2539.6, when applicable.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 266, Sec. 4. (AB 435) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 9. Dispensing Audiologists


text: A licensed audiologist who is the owner, manager, or franchisee at a location where hearing aids are fit or sold, shall be responsible for the adequacy of the fitting or selling of any hearing aid fit and sold by any licensee or licensees at that location.

article: 9. Dispensing Audiologists


text: The provisions of subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 2538.11 and the provisions of Section 2538.12 do not apply to a licensed audiologist who satisfies the requirements of Section 2539.1.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 449, Sec. 12. (SB 933) Effective January 1, 2012.)

article: 9. Dispensing Audiologists


citation: BPC § 2540

text: No person other than a physician and surgeon or optometrist may measure the powers or range of human vision or determine the accommodative and refractive status of the human eye or the scope of its functions in general or prescribe ophthalmic devices.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 148, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.4. Prescription Lenses and Ophthalmic and Optometric Assistants


citation: BPC § 2541

text:
A prescription ophthalmic device includes each of the following:

(a) Any spectacle or contact lens ordered by a physician and surgeon or optometrist, that alters or changes the visual powers of the human eye.

(b) Any contact lens described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (n) of Section 520 of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 360j and following).

(c) Any plano contact lens that is marketed or offered for sale in this state. “Plano contact lens” means a zero-power or noncorrective contact lens intended to change the appearance of the normal eye in a decorative fashion.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 148, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2007.)

chapter: 5.4. Prescription Lenses and Ophthalmic and Optometric Assistants


text:
(a) A spectacle lens prescription shall include all of the following:

(1) The dioptric power of the lens. When the prescription needed by the patient has not changed since the previous examination, the prescriber may write on the prescription form “copy lenses currently worn” instead.

(2) The expiration date of the prescription.

(3) The date of the issuance of the prescription.

(4) The name, address, telephone number, prescriber’s license number, and signature of the prescribing optometrist or physician and surgeon.

(5) The name of the person to whom the prescription is issued.

(b) The expiration date of a spectacle lens prescription shall not be less than two years and shall not exceed four years from the date of issuance unless the patient’s history or current circumstances establish a reasonable probability of changes in the patient’s vision of sufficient magnitude to necessitate reexamination earlier than two years, or presence or probability of visual abnormalities related to ocular or systemic disease indicates, the need for reexamination of the patient earlier than two years. In no circumstances shall the expiration date be shorter than the period of time recommended by the prescriber for reexamination of the patient. Establishing an expiration date that is not consistent with this section shall be regarded as unprofessional conduct by the board that issued the prescriber’s certificate to practice.

(c) The prescriber of a spectacle lens shall orally inform the patient of the expiration date of a spectacle lens prescription at the time the prescription is issued. The expiration date of a prescription may be extended by the prescriber and transmitted by telephone, electronic mail, or any other means of communication. An oral prescription for a spectacle lens shall be reduced to writing and a copy of that writing shall be sent to the prescriber prior to the delivery of the lenses to the person to whom the prescription is issued.

(d) A prescriber of a spectacle lens shall abide by the rules pertaining to spectacle lens prescriptions and eye examinations adopted by the Federal Trade Commission found in Part 456 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(e) An expired prescription may be filled if all of the following conditions exist:

(1) The patient’s spectacles are lost, broken, or damaged to a degree that renders them unusable.

(2) Upon dispensing a prescription pursuant to this subdivision, the person dispensing shall recommend that the patient return to the optometrist or physician and surgeon who issued the prescription for an eye examination and provide the prescriber with a written notification of the prescription that was filled.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 17. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text:
(a) (1) The expiration date of a contact lens prescription shall not be less than one year and shall not exceed two years from the date of issuance, unless the patient’s history or current circumstances establish a reasonable probability of changes in the patient’s vision of sufficient magnitude to necessitate reexamination earlier than one year, or the presence or probability of visual abnormalities related to ocular or systemic disease indicate the need for reexamination of the patient earlier than one year. If the expiration date of a prescription is less than one year, the health-related reasons for the limitation shall be documented in the patient’s medical record. In no circumstances shall the prescription expiration date be less than the period of time recommended by the prescriber for reexamination of the patient.

(2) For the purposes of this subdivision, the date of issuance is the date the patient receives a copy of the prescription.

(3) Establishing an expiration date that is not consistent with this section shall be regarded as unprofessional conduct by the board that issued the prescriber’s license to practice.

(b) Upon completion of the eye examination or, if applicable, the contact lens fitting process for a patient as described in subdivision (e), a prescriber or a registered dispensing optician shall provide the patient with a copy of the patient’s contact lens prescription signed by the prescriber. A prescriber of a contact lens shall abide by the rules pertaining to contact lens prescriptions and eye examinations adopted by the Federal Trade Commission pursuant to Part 315 of Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(c) If a patient places an order with a contact lens seller other than a physician and surgeon, an optometrist, or a registered dispensing optician, the prescriber or the prescriber’s authorized agent shall, upon request of the contact lens seller and in the absence of the actual prescription, attempt to promptly confirm the information contained in the prescription through direct communication with the contact lens seller.

(d) The contact lens prescription shall include sufficient information for the complete and accurate filling of a prescription, including, but not limited to, the power, the material or manufacturer or both, the base curve or appropriate designation, the diameter when appropriate, and an appropriate expiration date. When a provider prescribes a private label contact lens for a patient, the prescription shall include the name of the manufacturer, the trade name of the private label brand, and, if applicable, the trade name of the equivalent national brand.

(e) The contact lens fitting process begins after the initial comprehensive eye examination, and includes an examination to determine the lens specifications, an initial evaluation of the fit of the lens on the patient’s eye, except in the case of a renewal prescription of an established patient, and followup examinations that are medically necessary, and ends when the prescriber or registered dispensing optician determines that an appropriate fit has been achieved, or in the case of a prescription renewal for an established patient, the prescriber determines that there is no change in the prescription.

(f) The payment of professional fees for the eye exam, fitting, and evaluation may be required prior to the release of the prescription, but only if the prescriber would have required immediate payment from the patient had the examination revealed that no ophthalmic devices were required. A prescriber or registered dispensing optician shall not charge the patient any fee as a condition to releasing the prescription to the patient. A prescriber may charge an additional fee for verifying ophthalmic devices dispensed by another seller if the additional fee is imposed at the time the verification is performed.

(g) A prescriber shall not condition the availability of an eye examination, a contact lens fitting, or the release of a contact lens prescription on a requirement that the patient agree to purchase contact lenses from that prescriber. A registered dispensing optician shall not condition the availability of a contact lens fitting on a requirement that the patient agrees to purchase contact lenses from that registered dispensing optician.

(h) A prescriber or a registered dispensing optician shall not place on the contact lens prescription, deliver to the patient, or require a patient to sign a form or notice waiving or disclaiming the liability or responsibility of the prescriber or registered dispensing optician for the accuracy of the ophthalmic devices dispensed by another seller. This prohibition against waivers and disclaimers shall not impose liability on a prescriber or registered dispensing optician for the ophthalmic devices dispensed by another seller pursuant to the prescriber’s prescription.

(i) The willful failure or refusal of a prescriber to comply with the provisions of this section shall constitute grounds for professional discipline, including, but not limited to, the imposition of a fine or the suspension or revocation of the prescriber’s license. The Medical Board of California, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, and the California State Board of Optometry shall adopt regulations, to implement this subdivision, including, but not limited to, standards for processing complaints each receives regarding this subdivision.

(j) For the purposes of this section, “prescriber” means a physician and surgeon or an optometrist.

(k) Nothing in this section shall be construed to expand the scope of practice of a registered dispensing optician as defined in Sections 2542, 2543, and Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 2550).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 1. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)


text:
(a) The State Department of Public Health, the California State Board of Optometry, and the Medical Board of California shall prepare and adopt quality standards and adopt regulations relating to prescription ophthalmic devices, including, but not limited to, lenses, frames, and contact lenses. In promulgating these rules and regulations, the department and the boards shall adopt the current standards of the American National Standards Institute regarding ophthalmic materials. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the department and the boards from jointly adopting subsequent standards that are equivalent or more stringent than the current standards of the American National Standards Institute regarding ophthalmic materials.

(b) No individual or group that deals with prescription ophthalmic devices, including, but not limited to, distributors, registered dispensing opticians or ophthalmic businesses, manufacturers, laboratories, optometrists, or ophthalmologists shall sell, dispense, or furnish any prescription ophthalmic device that does not meet the minimum standards set by the State Department of Public Health, the California State Board of Optometry, or the Medical Board of California.

(c) Any violation of the regulations adopted by the State Department of Public Health, the California State Board of Optometry, or the Medical Board of California pursuant to this section shall be a misdemeanor.

(d) Any optometrist, ophthalmologist, or dispensing optician who violates the regulations adopted by the State Department of Public Health, the California State Board of Optometry, the Medical Board of California, or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California pursuant to this section shall be subject to disciplinary action by the individual’s licensing board.

(e) The California State Board of Optometry, the Medical Board of California, or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California may send any prescription ophthalmic device to the State Department of Public Health for testing as to whether or not the device meets established standards adopted pursuant to this section, which testing shall take precedence over any other prescription ophthalmic device testing being conducted by the department. The department may conduct the testing in its own facilities or may contract with any other facility to conduct the testing.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 19. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text: No prescription ophthalmic device that does not meet the standards adopted by the State Department of Public Health, the California State Board of Optometry, the Medical Board of California, or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California under Section 2541.3 shall be purchased with state funds.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 20. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


citation: BPC § 2542

text: A registered dispensing optician shall dispense contact lenses, including plano contact lenses, only on the valid prescription of a physician and surgeon or optometrist, and acting on the advice, direction, and responsibility of the physician and surgeon or optometrist. The registrant shall also comply with the requirements of Section 2560. A registered dispensing optician shall not dispense a contact lens or lenses, or a plano contact lens or lenses, unless the prescription specifically refers to and authorizes contact lenses. A registered dispensing optician shall not fit a generic type of contact lens or mode of wear for a contact lens contrary to the type or mode, if any, referred to in the prescription.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 21. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


citation: BPC § 2543

text:
(a) Except as provided in the Nonresident Ophthalmic Lens Dispenser Registration Act (Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 2564.70)), the right to dispense, sell, or furnish prescription ophthalmic devices at retail or to the person named in a prescription is limited exclusively to licensed physicians and surgeons, licensed optometrists, and registered dispensing opticians as provided in this division. This section shall not be construed to affect licensing requirements pursuant to Section 111615 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) It shall be considered a deceptive marketing practice for:

(1) Any physician and surgeon, optometrist, or registered dispensing optician to publish or cause to be published any advertisement or sales presentation relating to contact lenses that represents that contact lenses may be obtained without confirmation of a valid prescription.

(2) Any individual or entity who offers for sale plano contact lenses, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 2541, to represent by any means that those lenses may be lawfully obtained without an eye examination or confirmation of a valid prescription, or may be dispensed or furnished to a purchaser without complying with the requirements of Section 2562, except as provided in Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 2564.70).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 22. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


citation: BPC § 2544

text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an assistant in any setting where optometry or ophthalmology is practiced who is acting under the direct responsibility and supervision of an optometrist or a physician and surgeon may fit prescription lenses. Under the direct responsibility and supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist, an assistant in any setting where optometry or ophthalmology is practiced may also do the following:

(1) Prepare patients for examination.

(2) Collect preliminary patient data, including taking a patient history.

(3) Perform simple noninvasive testing of visual acuity, pupils, and ocular motility.

(4) Perform automated visual field testing.

(5) Perform ophthalmic photography and digital imaging.

(6) Perform tonometry.

(7) Perform lensometry.

(8) Perform nonsubjective auto refraction.

(9) Perform preliminary subjective refraction procedures in connection with finalizing subjective refraction procedures performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, subject to the following conditions:

(A) The assistant shall have at least 45 hours of documented training in subjective refraction procedures acceptable to the supervising ophthalmologist or optometrist, which may include performing preliminary subjective refraction procedures consistent with this paragraph to accomplish that training.

(B) Any preliminary subjective refraction procedures shall be performed as follows:

(i) When the supervising physician and surgeon or optometrist is physically present at the location where the procedures are being performed, and not involving telehealth services.

(ii) In conjunction with an in-person examination being performed by the supervising physician and surgeon or optometrist.

(iii) With a supervisory ratio of no more than three assistants per supervising ophthalmologist or optometrist during the supervisor’s work shift.

(C) An assistant performing preliminary subjective refraction procedures may utilize appropriate related equipment, including, but not limited to, a phoropter, trial lenses, and a retinoscope, solely for the purpose of performing those procedures.

(D) An assistant may not prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and nothing in this section shall be interpreted as authorizing those activities.

(10) Administer cycloplegics, mydriatics, and topical anesthetics that are not controlled substances, for ophthalmic purposes.

(11) Perform pachymetry, keratometry, A scan and B scan ultrasound testing, and electrodiagnostic testing.

(b) For the purposes of this section, “setting” includes, but is not limited to, any facility licensed by the State Department of Public Health or the State Department of Social Services.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize activities that corporations and other artificial legal entities are prohibited from conducting by Section 2400.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 596, Sec. 2. (AB 2574) Effective January 1, 2023.)


citation: BPC § 2545

text:
(a) Whenever a person or corporation has engaged, or is about to engage, in any acts or practices which constitute, or will constitute, an offense against this chapter, the superior court in and for the county wherein the acts or practices take place, or are about to take place, may issue an injunction, or other appropriate order, restraining the conduct on application of the California State Board of Optometry, the Medical Board of California, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, the Attorney General, or the district attorney of the county.

The proceedings under this section shall be governed by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(b) (1) A person or corporation who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) nor more than thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) per violation. The fines collected pursuant to this section from licensed physicians and surgeons shall be available upon appropriation to the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California for the purposes of administration and enforcement. The fines collected pursuant to this section from licensed optometrists and registered dispensing opticians shall be deposited into the Optometry Fund and shall be available upon appropriation to the California State Board of Optometry for the purposes of administration and enforcement.

(2) The Medical Board of California, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, and the California State Board of Optometry shall adopt regulations implementing this section and shall consider the following factors, including, but not limited to, applicable enforcement penalties, prior conduct, gravity of the offense, and the manner in which complaints will be processed.

(3) The proceedings under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 24. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


citation: BPC § 2550

text:
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) “Adjust” and “adjusting” includes the following acts, either singly or in combination with others: adapting or manipulation of the ophthalmic device to fit the face of the consumer, pursuant and incidental to the filling of any prescription for lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, contact lens, plano contact lens, and other ophthalmic devices as specified in Section 2541, and prescriptions.

(b) “Board” means the California State Board of Optometry.

(c) “Dispensing optician,” “registered dispensing optician,” and “registrant” mean any of the following individuals that are registered with the board:

(1) “Spectacle lens dispenser” means an individual who is registered with the board pursuant to Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 2559.1).

(2) “Contact lens dispenser” means an individual who is registered with the board pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 2560).

(3) “Nonresident ophthalmic lens dispenser” means an entity that is registered with the board pursuant to Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 2564.70) which offers, advertises, and performs optical services to the general public.

(4) “Registered dispensing ophthalmic business” means an entity that is registered with the board pursuant to Article 2.7 (commencing with Section 2564.90).

(d) “Fit” and “fitting” mean doing any of the following acts, either singly or in combination with others, before the act of adjusting: designing, taking measurements to determine the size, shape, or specifications, and replacing the prescribed optical aids, pursuant and incidental to the filling of any prescription for lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, contact lens, plano contact lens, and other ophthalmic devices as specified in Section 2541.

(e) “Ophthalmic lens” or “ophthalmic device” means any prescription lenses, spectacles, eyeglasses, contact lens, other ophthalmic devices that alter or change the visual powers of the human eye, or any prescription plano contact lens ordered by a physician and surgeon or optometrist.

(f) “Prescription” means an order made by a licensed physician and surgeon or licensed optometrist pursuant to Section 2541.1 or 2541.2.

(g) “Unregistered individual” means an individual who is not registered with the board pursuant to this chapter. The unregistered individual may perform any of the following:

(1) Fitting and adjusting of spectacle lenses under the direct responsibility and supervision of a duly registered spectacle lens dispenser pursuant to Section 2559.1.

(2) Fitting and adjusting of contact lenses under the direct responsibility and supervision of a duly registered contact lens dispenser pursuant to Section 2560.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 2. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

chapter: 5.5. Registered Dispensing Opticians

article: 1. General Provisions

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.5. Registered Dispensing Opticians > 1. General Provisions


text: The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to an individual who is acting under the direct responsibility and supervision of a physician and surgeon or optometrist, pursuant to Section 2544, in any setting where optometry or ophthalmology is practiced.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 40. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2552

text:
(a) Each application made pursuant to this chapter shall be verified under oath by the person required to sign the application and shall designate the name, address, and direct business telephone number of the applicant’s employee who will be responsible for handling customer inquiries and complaints with respect to the business address for which registration is applied. An applicant shall report any changes to this information in writing to the board within 14 days.

(b) The applicant shall furnish such additional information or proof, oral or written, which the board may request, including information and proof relating to the provisions of Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475).

(c) The board shall promptly notify any applicant if, as of the 30th day following the submission of an application under this chapter, the application and supporting documentation are not substantially complete and in proper form. The notification shall be in writing, shall state specifically what documents or other information are to be supplied by the applicant to the board, and shall be sent to the applicant by certified, electronic, or registered mail. Within 30 days of the applicant’s submission of the requested documents or information to the board, the board shall notify the applicant by certified, electronic, or registered mail if the board requires additional documents or information.

(d) An applicant for registration or renewal of registration who possesses a valid email address shall report that email address to the board at the time of application for registration or renewal.

(e) For purposes of this chapter, “valid email address” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 3024.5.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 3. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) A citation issued for an order of abatement in accordance with Sections 1399.275 and 1399.277 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations shall be posted on the front of the place of business of the dispensing optician. The citation shall remain posted until the violation has been corrected. The dispensing optician must also prominently post and make available its notice on any internet website it maintains that provides information about its services.

(b) A dispensing optician that has been issued a citation for an order of abatement in accordance with Sections 1399.275 and 1399.277 of Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations shall notify all optometrists with which it has entered into a lease or other contract within 10 calendar days of being served with the order of abatement.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 43. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2553

text: Each certificate of registration shall be at all times displayed in a conspicuous place at the certified place of business. The certificate shall not be transferable, but on application to the board there may be registered a change of address of the certificate.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 44. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) A registered spectacle lens dispenser may fit and adjust spectacle lenses and frames or take facial measurements in any of the following locations:

(1) A health facility as defined in Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code for a person admitted to that facility or an employee of that facility.

(2) A business location as defined in subdivision (e) for an employee or independent contractor of the person operating the business at that location.

(3) Any certified place of business pursuant to Section 2564.93.

(b) A registered spectacle lens dispenser who fits and adjusts spectacle lenses at a health facility or business location shall provide to the patient written information disclosing the registrant’s regular business address, certificate of registration number, phone number, and the name and phone number of the person designated by the licensee to receive complaints and inquiries, as specified in Section 2554.

(c) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to permit a registered contact lens dispenser to fit or adjust contact lenses at a health facility or at a business location, as defined in subdivision (e).

(d) A registered spectacle lens dispenser may fit and adjust spectacle lenses at a health facility or at a business location, as defined in subdivision (e), only if the dispenser is in personal attendance at a certified place of business pursuant to Section 2564.93 at least 40 percent of the dispenser’s regular working hours each week.

(e) “Business location” means the place at which any business employs more than 25 persons at any single business address, but shall not include a health facility, as defined in Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code, or a certified place of business as specified in Section 2564.93.

(f) This section shall not affect the requirements regarding fitting and adjusting as set forth in Sections 2559.1 and 2560.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 4. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) The board shall deny any application for registration under this chapter if any person licensed as a physician and surgeon, for whom the applicant, in accordance with Section 2564.90, proposes to fill any prescription, has any proprietary interest, or has designated or arranged for any other person to have any proprietary interest in or with the applicant.

(b) (1) The board may, in accordance with Section 2555, suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the certificate of any individual or firm under this chapter, if such individual or firm, after the effective date of this section, fills, or has filled, while holding a certificate issued pursuant to this chapter, any prescription issued by any person licensed under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) who has any proprietary interest, or has designated or arranged for any other person to have any proprietary interest, in or with such individual or firm.

(2) Such penalties shall be in addition to, and not to the exclusion of, any other remedies or penalties provided by law.

(3) “Proprietary interest,” for the purposes of this section, means any membership, coownership, stock ownership, legal or beneficial interest, any other proprietary interest, or profit-sharing arrangement, designated or arranged or held, directly or indirectly in any form, in or with any individual or firm applying for registration or registered under this chapter, except stock ownership in a corporation which is listed on a stock exchange regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission if the stock is acquired in a transaction conducted through such stock exchange.

(c) This section shall apply only to a dispensing optician required to be registered pursuant to Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 2550) and shall not be construed to modify Section 2557, or to affect the fitting of prescription lenses by an assistant pursuant to Section 2544.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 47. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) Registrations shall expire at midnight on the last day of the month in which the license was issued during the second year of a two-year term if not renewed.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by Section 114, any registration under this chapter may be renewed at any time within three years after its expiration by filing an application for renewal or reactivation on a form prescribed by the board, paying all accrued and unpaid renewal fees or reactivation fees as determined by the board and by paying any delinquency fees prescribed by the board. If the registration under this chapter is not renewed three years after its expiration, the registration shall be considered cancelled and may not be reinstated or renewed.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 48. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2554

text:
Each registrant shall conspicuously and prominently display at each registered location the following consumer information:

“Eye doctors are required to provide patients with a copy of their ophthalmic lens prescriptions as follows:

Spectacle prescriptions: Release upon completion of exam.

Contact lens prescriptions: Release upon completion of exam or upon completion of the fitting process.

Patients may take their prescription to any eye doctor or registered dispensing optician to be filled.

The California State Board of Optometry regulates optometrists and registered dispensing opticians. The California State Board of Optometry receives and investigates all consumer complaints involving the practice of optometry and registered dispensing opticians. Complaints involving a California-licensed optometrist or a registered dispensing optician should be directed to:

California State Board of Optometry

Department of Consumer Affairs

2450 Del Paso Road, Suite 105

Sacramento, CA 95834

Phone: 1-866-585-2666 or (916) 575-7170

Email: optometry@dca.ca.gov

Internet website: www.optometry.ca.gov”

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 49. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2555

text: Certificates issued under this chapter may in the discretion of the board be suspended or revoked or subjected to terms and conditions of probation for violating or attempting to violate this chapter, Chapter 5.4 (commencing with Section 2540) or any regulation adopted under this chapter or, Chapter 5.4 (commencing with Section 2540), or Section 651, 654, or 655, or for incompetence, gross negligence, or repeated similar negligent acts performed by the registrant or by an employee of the registrant. The proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all the powers granted therein.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 50. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) In the discretion of the board, a certificate issued under this chapter may be suspended or revoked if an individual certificate holder or persons having any proprietary interest who will engage in dispensing operations, have been convicted of a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a dispensing optician. The record of conviction or a certified copy thereof shall be conclusive evidence of the conviction.

(b) A plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere made to a charge substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a dispensing optician is deemed to be a conviction within the meaning of this article. The board may order the certificate suspended or revoked, or may decline to issue a certificate, when the time for appeal has elapsed, or the judgment of conviction has been affirmed on appeal or when an order granting probation is made suspending the imposition of sentence, irrespective of a subsequent order under the provisions of Section 1203.4 of the Penal Code allowing such person to withdraw their plea of guilty and to enter a plea of not guilty, or setting aside the verdict of guilty, or dismissing the accusation, information, or indictment.

(c) The proceeding under this section shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all the powers granted therein.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 51. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
The board may take action against any registrant who is charged with unprofessional conduct and may deny an application for a registration if the applicant has committed unprofessional conduct. In addition to other provisions of this article, unprofessional conduct includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(a) Violating, attempting to violate, conspiring to violate, or directly or indirectly assisting in or abetting the violation of any provision of this chapter or any of the rules and regulations adopted by the board pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Gross negligence.

(c) Repeated negligent acts. To be repeated, there must be two or more negligent acts or omissions.

(d) Incompetence.

(e) The commission of fraud, misrepresentation, or any act involving dishonesty or corruption that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a registered optician.

(f) Any action or conduct that would have warranted the denial of a registration.

(g) The use of advertising relating to opticianry that violates Section 651 or 17500.

(h) Denial of licensure, revocation, suspension, restriction, or any other disciplinary action against a health care professional license, registration, or permit by another state or territory of the United States, by any other governmental agency, or by another California health care professional licensing board. A certified copy of the decision or judgment shall be conclusive evidence of that action.

(i) Procuring the registrant’s registration by fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake.

(j) Making or giving any false statement or information in connection with the application for issuance of a license.

(k) Conviction of a felony or of any offense substantially related to the qualifications, functions, and duties of a registered dispensing optician, in which event the record of the conviction shall be conclusive evidence thereof.

(l) Administering to oneself any controlled substance or using any of the dangerous drugs specified in Section 4022, or using alcoholic beverages to the extent, or in a manner, as to be dangerous or injurious to the person applying for a license or holding a registration under this chapter, or to any other person, or to the public, or, to the extent that the use impairs the ability of the person applying for or holding a license to conduct with safety to the public the practice authorized by the license, or the conviction of a misdemeanor or felony involving the use, consumption, or self-administration of any of the substances referred to in this subdivision, or any combination thereof.

(m) (1) Committing or soliciting an act punishable as a sexually related crime, if that act or solicitation is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of an optician.

(2) Committing any act of sexual abuse, misconduct, or relations with a patient. The commission of and conviction for any act of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, or attempted sexual misconduct, whether or not with a patient, shall be considered a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a registrant. This paragraph shall not apply to sexual contact between any person licensed under this chapter and the registrant’s spouse or person in an equivalent domestic relationship when that registrant provides optometry treatment to the registrant’s spouse or person in an equivalent domestic relationship.

(3) Conviction of a crime that requires the person to register as a sex offender pursuant to Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 290) of Title 9 of Part 1 of the Penal Code. A conviction within the meaning of this paragraph means a plea or verdict of guilty or a conviction following a plea of nolo contendere. A conviction described in this paragraph shall be considered a crime substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a registrant.

(n) The failure to maintain adequate and accurate records relating to the provision of services to one’s patients.

(o) Performing, or holding oneself out as being able to perform, or offering to perform, any professional services beyond the scope of the license authorized by this chapter.

(p) The practice of functions defined in this chapter without a valid, unrevoked, unexpired registration.

(q) The employing, directly or indirectly, of any suspended or unregistered individual to perform any work for which an optician registration is required.

(r) Permitting another person to use the registration for any purpose.

(s) Altering with fraudulent intent a registration issued by the board, or using a fraudulently altered license, permit, certification, or any registration issued by the board.

(t) Except for good cause, the knowing failure to protect patients by failing to follow infection control guidelines of the board, thereby risking transmission of bloodborne infectious diseases from optician to patient, from patient to patient, or from patient to optician. In administering this subdivision, the board shall consider the standards, regulations, and guidelines of the State Department of Public Health developed pursuant to Section 1250.11 of the Health and Safety Code and the standards, guidelines, and regulations pursuant to the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973 (Part 1 (commencing with Section 6300) of Division 5 of the Labor Code) for preventing the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and other bloodborne pathogens in health care settings.

(u) Dispensing ophthalmic lenses without a current prescription.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 52. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) In addition to the board’s authority to deny an application for registration pursuant to Section 2555.5, the board, in its sole discretion, may issue a probationary registration to an applicant subject to terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

(1) Limiting practice to a supervised, structured environment in which the registrant’s activities shall be supervised by another optician registered by the board who is in good standing and is either of the following:

(A) Is registered in an equivalent class as the class the applicant is applying for registration in.

(B) Is a licensed optometrist or physician and surgeon in good standing.

(2) Total or partial restrictions on ophthalmic dispensing privileges.

(3) Continuing medical or psychiatric treatment.

(4) Ongoing participation in a specified rehabilitation program.

(5) Enrollment and successful completion of a clinical training program.

(6) Abstention from the use of alcohol or drugs.

(7) Restrictions against engaging in certain types of optician practices.

(8) Compliance with all provisions of this chapter.

(9) Any other terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the board.

(b) The board may modify or terminate the terms and conditions imposed on the probationary registration if the registrant petitions for modification or termination of terms and conditions of probation. A registrant shall not petition for modification or termination of terms and conditions until one year has passed from the effective date of the decision granting the probationary registration.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 5. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2556

text:
(a) Except as authorized by Section 655, it is unlawful for a registered dispensing optician or a person who engages in the business of, or holds himself or herself out to be, a dispensing optician to do any of the following: to advertise the furnishing of, or to furnish, the services of an optometrist or a physician and surgeon, to directly employ an optometrist or physician and surgeon for the purpose of any examination or treatment of the eyes, or to duplicate or change lenses without a prescription or order from a person duly licensed to issue the same. For the purposes of this section, “furnish” does not mean to enter into a landlord-tenant relationship of any kind.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 125.9, the board may, by regulation, impose and issue administrative fines and citations for a violation of this section or Section 655, which may be assessed in addition to any other applicable fines, citations, or administrative or criminal actions.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 703, Sec. 22. (SB 1491) Effective January 1, 2019.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text: All licensed optometrists and registered dispensing opticians who are in a colocated setting shall report the business relationship to the California State Board of Optometry, as determined by the board. The California State Board of Optometry shall have the authority to inspect any premises at which the business of a registered dispensing optician is colocated with the practice of an optometrist, for the purposes of determining compliance with Section 655. The inspection may include the review of any written lease agreement between the registered dispensing optician and the optometrist or between the optometrist and the health plan. Failure to comply with the inspection or any request for information by the board may subject the party to disciplinary action. The board shall provide a copy of its inspection results, if applicable, to the Department of Managed Health Care.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 53. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, subsequent to the effective date of this section and until January 1, 2019, any individual, corporation, or firm operating as a registered dispensing optician under this chapter before the effective date of this section, or an employee of such an entity, shall not be subject to any action for engaging in conduct prohibited by Section 2556 or Section 655 as those sections existed prior to the effective date of this bill, except that a registrant shall be subject to discipline for duplicating or changing lenses without a prescription or order from a person duly licensed to issue the same.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to imply or suggest that a person registered under this chapter is in violation of or in compliance with the law.

(c) This section shall not apply to any business relationships prohibited by Section 2556 commencing registration or operations on or after the effective date of this section.

(d) Subsequent to the effective date of this section and until January 1, 2019, nothing in this section shall prohibit an individual, corporation, or firm operating as a registered dispensing optician from engaging in a business relationship with an optometrist licensed pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 3000) before the effective date of this section at locations registered with the Medical Board of California before the effective date of this section.

(e) This section does not apply to any administrative action pending, litigation pending, cause for discipline, or cause of action accruing prior to September 1, 2015.

(f) Any registered dispensing optician or optical company that owns a health plan that employs optometrists, subject to this section, shall comply with the following milestones:

(1) By January 1, 2017, 15 percent of its locations shall no longer employ an optometrist.

(2) By August 1, 2017, 45 percent of its locations shall no longer employ an optometrist.

(3) By January 1, 2019, 100 percent of its locations shall no longer employ an optometrist.

(g) Any registered dispensing optician or optical company that owns a health plan that employs optometrists shall report to the California State Board of Optometry in writing as to whether it has met each of the milestones in subdivision (f) within 30 days of each milestone. The California State Board of Optometry shall provide those reports as soon as it receives them to the director and the Legislature. The report to the Legislature shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(h) (1) Notwithstanding any other law and in addition to any action available to the California State Board of Optometry, the California State Board of Optometry may issue a citation containing an order of abatement, an order to pay an administrative fine, or both, to an optical company, an optometrist, or a registered dispensing optician for a violation of this section. The administrative fine shall not exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). In assessing the amount of the fine, the board shall give due consideration to all of the following:

(A) The gravity of the violation.

(B) The good faith of the cited person or entity.

(C) The history of previous violations of the same or similar nature.

(D) Evidence that the violation was or was not willful.

(E) The extent to which the cited person or entity has cooperated with the board’s investigation.

(F) The extent to which the cited person or entity has mitigated or attempted to mitigate any damage or injury caused by the violation.

(G) Any other factors as justice may require.

(2) A citation or fine assessment issued pursuant to a citation shall inform the cited person or entity that if a hearing is desired to contest the finding of a violation, that hearing shall be requested by written notice to the board within 30 days of the date of issuance of the citation or assessment. If a hearing is not requested pursuant to this section, payment of any fine shall not constitute an admission of the violation charged. Hearings shall be held pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(3) The board shall adopt regulations to implement a system for the issuance of citations, administrative fines, and orders of abatement authorized by this section. The regulations shall include provisions for both of the following:

(A) The issuance of a citation without an administrative fine.

(B) The opportunity for a cited person or entity to have an informal conference with the executive officer of the board in addition to the hearing described in paragraph (2).

(4) The failure of a licensee to pay a fine within 30 days of the date of assessment, unless the citation is being appealed, may result in disciplinary action being taken by the board. Where a citation is not contested and a fine is not paid, the full amount of the assessed fine shall be added to the fee for renewal of the license. A license shall not be renewed without payment of the renewal fee and fine.

(5) Notwithstanding any other law, if a fine is paid to satisfy an assessment based on the finding of a violation, payment of the fine shall be represented as satisfactory resolution of the matter for purposes of public disclosure.

(i) Administrative fines collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Optometry Fund. It is the intent of the Legislature that moneys collected as fines and deposited in the fund be used by the board primarily for enforcement purposes.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 54. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text: Any person who holds himself out as a “dispensing optician” or “registered dispensing optician” or who uses any other term or letters indicating or implying that he is registered and holds a certificate under the terms of this law without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked certificate, as provided in this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1953, Ch. 1144.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2557

text: This chapter shall not affect any person licensed as an optometrist under Chapter 7 of Division II of this code, or any physician and surgeon licensed under Chapter 5 of Division II of this code. Such exemption shall not apply to any optometrist or physician and surgeon exclusively engaged in the business of filling prescriptions for physicians and surgeons. This chapter does not prohibit the sale of goggles, sun glasses, colored glasses, or occupational protective eye devices if they do not have refractive values nor do the provisions of this chapter prohibit the sale of complete ready-to-wear eyeglasses as merchandise.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1939, Ch. 955.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
A certificate issued to a registered spectacle or contact lens dispenser may in the discretion of the board be suspended or revoked for violating or attempting to violate any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted under this chapter, or for incompetence, gross negligence, or repeated similar negligent acts performed by the certificate holder. A certificate may also be suspended or revoked if the individual certificate holder has been convicted of a felony as provided in Section 2555.1.

Any proceedings under this section shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all the powers granted therein.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 55. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2558

text:
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not less than 10 days nor more than one year, or by a fine of not less than two hundred dollars ($200) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by both such fine and imprisonment.

The board may adopt, amend, or repeal, in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, any regulations as are reasonably necessary to carry out this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 489, Sec. 20. (SB 1478) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text: A registered dispensing optician shall not dispense a spectacle lens or contact lens prescription unless the prescription meets the requirements of Section 2541.1 or 2541.2, as applicable. A registered dispensing optician shall not dispense a spectacle lens prescription after the expiration date of the prescription unless so authorized pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 2541.1. A person violating this section shall not be guilty of a misdemeanor pursuant to Section 2558. A violation of this section shall be considered unprofessional conduct by the board. A registered dispensing optician may defend this proceeding by establishing that the expiration date of the prescription was not established consistent with Section 2541.1. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a registered dispensing optician to fill a prescription after the expiration date or to make any judgment regarding the appropriateness of the expiration date.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text: Any individual, corporation, or firm operating as a registered dispensing optician under this chapter who demonstrates a willful disregard for the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 57. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1. General Provisions


citation: BPC § 2559

text:
Whenever any person has engaged, or is about to engage, in any acts or practices which constitute, or will constitute, a violation of any provision of this chapter, or Chapter 5.4 (commencing with Section 2540), the superior court in and for the county wherein the acts or practices take place, or are about to take place, may issue an injunction, or other appropriate order, restraining such conduct on application of the board, the Attorney General, or the district attorney of the county.

The proceedings under this section shall be governed by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 489, Sec. 21. (SB 1478) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 1. General Provisions


text:
(a) An individual shall not fit and adjust spectacle lenses unless either of the following applies:

(1) The individual is a duly registered spectacle lens dispenser as provided in Section 2559.2.

(2) The individual is an unregistered individual who performs the fitting and adjusting under the direct responsibility and supervision of a duly registered spectacle lens dispenser whose certificate of registration is then conspicuously and prominently displayed on the premises.

(b) A supervising registered spectacle lens dispenser shall be physically present on the registered premises when an unregistered individual fits and adjusts spectacle lenses.

(c) The board shall not take action for a violation of subdivision (b) if either of the following apply:

(1) A supervising registered spectacle lens dispenser was not physically present on the registered premises due to reasonably unanticipated circumstances, including, but not limited to, illness, injury, family emergency, or the supervising registered spectacle lens dispenser’s termination or resignation, and reasonable action was taken to have another supervising registered spectacle lens dispenser be physically present on the registered premises.

(2) A supervising registered spectacle lens dispenser was not physically present due to a legally required employee meal or break period.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 7. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 1.5. Spectacle Lens Dispensing

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.5. Registered Dispensing Opticians > 1.5. Spectacle Lens Dispensing


text:
(a) An individual shall apply for registration as a registered spectacle lens dispenser on forms prescribed by the board. The board shall register an individual as a registered spectacle lens dispenser upon satisfactory proof that the individual has passed the registry examination of the American Board of Opticianry or any successor agency to that board. In the event the board should determine, after hearing, that the registry examination is not appropriate to determine entry level competence as a spectacle lens dispenser or is not designed to measure specific job performance requirements, the board may thereafter prescribe or administer a written examination that meets those specifications. If an applicant for renewal has not engaged in the full-time or substantial part-time practice of fitting and adjusting spectacle lenses but has maintained their American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners registration or practiced within another state within the last three years then the board may require the applicant to take and pass the examination referred to in this section as a condition of registration. Any examination prescribed or administered by the board shall be given at least twice each year on dates publicly announced at least 90 days before the examination dates. The board is authorized to contract for administration of an examination.

(b) The board may deny registration where there are grounds for denial under the provisions of Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475).

(c) The board shall issue a certificate to each qualified individual stating that the individual is a registered spectacle lens dispenser.

(d) A registered spectacle lens dispenser is authorized to fit and adjust spectacle lenses at any place of business holding a certificate of registration under Section 2564.93 or at any location where the practice of ophthalmology or optometry is practiced. The certificate of the registered spectacle lens dispenser shall be displayed in a conspicuous place at the place of business where the registered dispenser is fitting and adjusting.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 59. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 1.5. Spectacle Lens Dispensing


text:
A certificate issued to a registered spectacle lens dispenser may, in the discretion of the board, be suspended or revoked for violating or attempting to violate any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted under this chapter, or for incompetence, gross negligence, or repeated similar negligent acts performed by the certificate holder. A certificate may also be suspended or revoked if the individual certificate holder has been convicted of a felony as provided in Section 2555.1.

Any proceedings under this section shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all the powers granted therein.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 489, Sec. 23. (SB 1478) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 1.5. Spectacle Lens Dispensing


text: This article shall not apply to an assistant fitting spectacle lenses pursuant to Section 2544 if the assistant is acting under the direct responsibility and supervision of a physician and surgeon or optometrist who engages in the practice of fitting spectacle lenses for his or her patients.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 604, Sec. 3. (AB 2683) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 1.5. Spectacle Lens Dispensing


citation: BPC § 2560

text:
An individual shall not fit and adjust contact lenses, including plano contact lenses unless either of the following applies:

(a) The individual is a duly registered contact lens dispenser as provided in Section 2561.

(b) The individual is an unregistered individual who performs the fitting and adjusting under the direct responsibility and supervision of a duly registered contact lens dispenser who is then physically present on the registered premises. In no event shall a registered contact lens dispenser supervise more than three unregistered individuals.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 8. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Contact Lens Dispensing

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.5. Registered Dispensing Opticians > 2. Contact Lens Dispensing


citation: BPC § 2561

text:
An individual shall apply for registration as a registered contact lens dispenser on forms prescribed by the board. The board shall register an individual as a registered contact lens dispenser upon satisfactory proof that the individual has passed the contact lens registry examination of the National Committee of Contact Lens Examiners or any successor agency to that committee. In the event the board should ever find after hearing that the registry examination is not appropriate to determine entry level competence as a contact lens dispenser or is not designed to measure specific job performance requirements, the board may thereafter from time to time prescribe or administer a written examination that meets those specifications. If an applicant for renewal has not engaged in the full-time or substantial part-time practice of fitting and adjusting contact lenses within the last five years then the board may require the applicant to take and pass the examination referred to in this section as a condition of registration. Any examination administered by the board shall be given at least twice each year on dates publicly announced at least 90 days before the examination dates. The board is authorized to contract with the National Committee of Contact Lens Examiners or any successor agency to that committee to provide that the registry examination is given at least twice each year on dates publicly announced at least 90 days before the examination dates.

The board may deny registration where there are grounds for denial under the provisions of Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475).

The board shall issue a certificate to each qualified individual stating that the individual is a registered contact lens dispenser.

A registered contact lens dispenser may use that designation, but shall not hold himself or herself out in advertisements or otherwise as a specialist in fitting and adjusting contact lenses.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 489, Sec. 25. (SB 1478) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 2. Contact Lens Dispensing


citation: BPC § 2562

text: Upon satisfactory completion of the fitting of contact lenses, but in no event more than 60 days after receipt of the prescription, a registered contact lens dispenser shall direct the person named in the prescription to return to the prescribing physician and surgeon or optometrist for an evaluation.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 418, Sec. 8.)

article: 2. Contact Lens Dispensing


citation: BPC § 2564

text: The provisions of this article shall not apply to an assistant fitting contact lenses while acting under the direct responsibility and supervision of a physician and surgeon or optometrist who engages in the practice of fitting contact lenses for his or her patients under Section 2544.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 604, Sec. 4. (AB 2683) Effective January 1, 2011.)

article: 2. Contact Lens Dispensing


text: A registered contact lens dispenser fitting contact lenses shall maintain accessible handwashing facilities on the premises and those facilities shall be used before each fitting of contact lenses. For purposes of this section, “accessible handwashing facilities” means a clean and sanitary sink with clean running water, disinfectant soap, and adequate drying devices such as a towel or electric hand dryer, which is physically separate from a lavatory or bathroom and is accessible to all relevant persons.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 9. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Contact Lens Dispensing


text: A registered contact lens dispenser shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 2541.2.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 10. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2. Contact Lens Dispensing


text: This act may be cited as the “Nonresident Ophthalmic Lens Dispenser Registration Act.”

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2546 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 26. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.5. Registered Dispensing Opticians > 2.5. Nonresident Ophthalmic Lens Dispensers


text:
(a) A person or entity located outside California shall not ship, mail, furnish, or deliver in any manner, ophthalmic lenses at retail to a patient at a California address unless the person is registered with the California State Board of Optometry.

(b) With regard to any person or entity subject to registration pursuant to this section, only spectacle lenses and replacement contact lenses provided pursuant to a valid prescription as described in Section 2564.76 may be shipped, mailed, furnished, or delivered directly to a patient.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 11. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 2.5. Nonresident Ophthalmic Lens Dispensers


text: The board may adopt, amend, or repeal any rules and regulations that are reasonably necessary to carry out this article.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2546.3 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 29. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text:
(a) Application for registration as a nonresident ophthalmic lens dispenser shall be made on forms prescribed by the board, accompanied by the fee prescribed by this article, and shall bear the signature of the individual, or individuals if a copartnership, or the president or secretary if a corporation, and shall contain the name or fictitious or assumed name, if applicable, under which the person proposes to do business, location of the business, registration number issued by the board, if applicable, and the designation of an agent for service of process in California.

(b) The board shall be notified in writing within 30 days of any change of name or fictitious or assumed name, location of business, corporate officer, or agent of service.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2546.4 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 30. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text:
In order to obtain and maintain registration, a nonresident ophthalmic lens dispenser shall:

(a) Be in good standing and either registered or otherwise authorized in the state or jurisdiction in which the selling facility is located and from which the ophthalmic lenses are sold.

(b) Comply with all directions and requests for information made by the board as authorized under this article.

(c) Maintain records of ophthalmic lenses shipped, mailed, furnished, or delivered to patients in California for a period of at least three years.

(d) Provide a toll-free telephone service for responding to patient questions and complaints during the applicant’s regular hours of operation, but in no event less than six days per week and 40 hours per week. The toll-free number shall be included in literature provided with each mailed ophthalmic lens prescription. All questions relating to eye care for the lens prescribed shall be referred back to the ophthalmic lens prescriber.

(e) Provide the following or a substantially equivalent written notification to the patient whenever contact lenses are supplied: WARNING: IF YOU ARE HAVING ANY UNEXPLAINED EYE DISCOMFORT, WATERING, VISION CHANGE, OR REDNESS, REMOVE YOUR LENSES IMMEDIATELY AND CONSULT YOUR EYE CARE PRACTITIONER BEFORE WEARING YOUR LENSES AGAIN. (f) Disclose in any price advertisement any required membership fees or enrollment fees and indicate that shipping costs may apply unless the advertisement specifically and clearly states otherwise.

(g) Provide a toll-free telephone number, facsimile line, and email address that are dedicated to prescribers and their authorized agents for the purposes of confirmation of ophthalmic lens prescriptions. These numbers, along with an email address, shall be included in any communication with the prescriber when requesting confirmation of an ophthalmic lens prescription.

(h) It shall be considered a deceptive marketing practice for any nonresident ophthalmic lens dispenser to publish or cause to be published any advertisement or sales presentation relating to ophthalmic lenses representing that ophthalmic lenses may be obtained without confirmation of a valid prescription.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2546.5 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 31. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text:
(a) Contact lenses may be sold only upon receipt of a written prescription or a copy of a written prescription and may be sold in quantities consistent with the prescription’s established expiration date and the standard packaging of the manufacturer or vendor. If the written prescription or a copy of it is not available to the dispenser, the dispenser shall confirm the prescription by direct communication with the prescriber or the prescriber’s authorized agent before furnishing, shipping, mailing, or delivering any lens, and maintain a record of the communication. A prescription shall be deemed confirmed upon the occurrence of one of the following:

(1) The prescriber or the prescriber’s agent confirms the prescription by communication with the dispenser.

(2) The prescriber fails to communicate with the dispenser within eight business hours after the dispenser requests confirmation, or the prescriber fails to communicate with the dispenser by the next business day on or before the same time of day that the dispenser requested confirmation, whichever is sooner. For purposes of this paragraph, “business day” means each day except a Sunday or a federal holiday.

(b) If a prescriber communicates with a dispenser before the time period described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) elapses and informs the dispenser that the contact lens prescription is invalid, the dispenser shall not fill the prescription. The prescriber shall specify in the communication with the dispenser the basis for invalidating the prescription.

(c) A dispenser shall not alter any of the specifications of a contact lens prescription, other than the color, or substitute a different manufacturer, brand, or other physical property of the lens.

(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, if the contact lens is manufactured by a company, but sold under multiple private labels by that same company to individual providers, the dispenser may fill the prescription with a contact lens manufactured by that company if the contact lens prescription and the related parameters are not substituted, changed, or altered for a different manufacturer or brand.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 12. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)


text:
(a) A certificate may be denied, to the extent authorized by Section 480, or suspended, revoked, or otherwise subjected to discipline for any of the following:

(1) Incompetence, gross negligence, or repeated similar negligent acts performed by the registrant or any employee of the registrant.

(2) An act of dishonesty or fraud.

(3) Committing any act or being convicted of a crime constituting grounds for denial of licensure or registration under Section 480.

(4) Any violation of Section 2564.75 or 2564.76.

(b) The proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the board shall have all powers granted therein.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2546.7 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 33. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text: Every registration issued to a nonresident ophthalmic lens dispenser shall expire 24 months after the initial date of issuance. To renew an unexpired registration, the registrant shall, before the time at which the license would otherwise expire, apply for renewal on a form prescribed by the board, and pay the renewal fee prescribed by this article.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2546.8 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 34. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text:
The amount of fees prescribed in connection with the registration of nonresident ophthalmic lens dispensers is that established by the following schedule:

(a) The application and registration fee for a nonresident ophthalmic lens dispenser shall be a minimum of five hundred dollars ($500) and shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(b) The biennial renewal fee shall be a minimum of three hundred dollars ($300) and shall not exceed four hundred dollars ($400).

(c) The delinquency fee shall be a minimum of fifty dollars ($50) and shall not exceed seventy-five dollars ($75).

(d) The fee for replacement of a lost, stolen, or destroyed registration shall be twenty-five dollars ($25).

(e) The California State Board of Optometry may periodically revise and fix by regulation the fees specified in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), and these revised fees shall not exceed the reasonable regulatory cost.

(f) The fees collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited in the Optometry Fund, and shall be available, upon appropriation, to the California State Board of Optometry for the purposes of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 13. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)


text:
(a) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000) per violation. The fines collected pursuant to this section shall be available upon appropriation to the California State Board of Optometry for the purposes of administration and enforcement.

(b) The California State Board of Optometry shall adopt regulations implementing this section and shall consider the following factors, including, but not limited to, applicable enforcement penalties, prior conduct, gravity of the offense, and the manner in which complaints will be processed.

(c) The proceedings under this section shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2546.10 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 36. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text:
For purposes of this chapter, “Dispensing Ophthalmic Business” means a person or entity that meets either of the following criteria:

(a) Is engaged in the business of dispensing prescription ophthalmic devices, as defined in Section 2541.

(b) Satisfies both of the following requirements:

(1) Has executed a lease, sublease, contract, or other written agreement with a licensed physician and surgeon or optometrist, or a corporation or other business entity for which a licensed physician and surgeon or optometrist is a shareholder, director, or officer.

(2) Offers, advertises, or performs optical services for the general public on behalf of a licensed physician and surgeon or optometrist, or a corporation or other business entity for which a licensed physician and surgeon or optometrist is a shareholder, director, or officer.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 15. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.5. Registered Dispensing Opticians > 2.7. Registered Dispensing Ophthalmic Businesses


text:
(a) Individuals, corporations, and firms shall make application for registration and shall not engage in that business defined in Section 2564.90 before being issued a certificate of registration.

(b) Application for that registration shall be on forms prescribed by the board, shall bear the signature of the individual, or general partners if a partnership, or the president or secretary if a corporation or firm, and shall contain the name under which they propose to do business and the business address.

(c) Corporations and firms shall be organized and exist pursuant to the General Corporation Law (Division 1 (commencing with Section 100) of Title 1 of the Corporations Code) and shall not be limited liability companies within the meaning of Title 2.6 of the Corporations Code.

(d) If applicable, the application shall include a list of officers in the corporation, firm, or partnership and a copy of the articles of incorporation submitted to the Secretary of State.

(e) Separate applications shall be made for each place of business and each application shall be accompanied by the application fee prescribed by Section 2565.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2551 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 41. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 2.7. Registered Dispensing Ophthalmic Businesses


text:
(a) Each application shall be verified under oath by the person required to sign the application and shall designate the name, address, and direct business telephone number of the applicant’s employee who will be responsible for handling customer inquiries and complaints with respect to the business address for which registration is applied. Any changes to this information shall be reported in writing to the board within 14 days.

(b) The applicant shall furnish such additional information or proof, oral or written, which the board may request, including information and proof relating to the provisions of Division 1.5 (commencing with Section 475).

(c) The board shall promptly notify an applicant if, as of the 30th day following the submission of an application under this chapter, the application and supporting documentation are not substantially complete and in proper form. The notification shall be in writing, shall state specifically what documents or other information are to be supplied by the applicant to the board, and shall be sent to the applicant by certified, electronic, or registered mail. Within 30 days of the applicant’s submission of the requested documents or information to the board, the board shall notify the applicant by certified, electronic, or registered mail if the board requires additional documents or information.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 67. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text:
(a) If the board, after investigation, approves the application, it shall register the applicant and issue to the applicant a certificate of dispensing ophthalmic business. A separate certificate of registration shall be required for each address where the business is to be conducted.

(b) A certificate authorizes the applicant, its agents, and employees, acting therefor, to engage in the business defined in Section 2564.90 provided that the fitting and adjusting of spectacle lenses is performed in compliance with Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 2559.1) and the fitting and adjusting of contact lenses is performed in compliance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 2560). Only individuals registered with the board pursuant to those sections shall perform those supervisory functions.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 68. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


text:
(a) If a registered dispensing ophthalmic business sells or transfers ownership of their place of business, both of the following requirements shall be satisfied:

(1) The registered dispensing ophthalmic business selling or transferring ownership of the business shall return the certificate of registration to the board no later than 10 calendar days after the change of ownership is completed. This registered dispensing ophthalmic business shall be responsible for complying with all laws relating to the dispensing ophthalmic business until the notice described in paragraph (2) is received by the board.

(2) The registered dispensing ophthalmic business assuming ownership of the business shall record with the board a written notice of the change of ownership, providing all information required by the board. This notice shall be filed with the board no later than 10 calendar days after the change of ownership is completed.

(3) The registered dispensing ophthalmic business assuming ownership of the business shall apply for a new certificate of registration from the board no later than 10 calendar days after the change of ownership is completed.

(b) This section does not apply to a change of location of business by a registered dispensing optician.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 2553.1 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 45. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)


citation: BPC § 2565

text:
The amount of fees prescribed in connection with the registration of dispensing ophthalmic businesses shall be as set forth in this section.

(a) The application and registration fee shall be a minimum of five hundred dollars ($500) and shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(b) The biennial renewal fee shall be a minimum of three hundred dollars ($300) and shall not exceed four hundred dollars ($400).

(c) The delinquency fee shall be a minimum of fifty dollars ($50) and shall not exceed seventy-five dollars ($75).

(d) The fee for replacement of a lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate shall be twenty-five dollars ($25).

(e) The California State Board of Optometry may periodically revise and fix by regulation the fees specified in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), and these revised fees shall not exceed the reasonable regulatory cost.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 16. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 3. Fiscal Provisions

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.5. Registered Dispensing Opticians > 3. Fiscal Provisions


citation: BPC § 2566

text:
The amount of fees prescribed in connection with certificates for contact lens dispensers is as follows:

(a) The application and registration fee for a registered contact lens dispenser shall be a minimum of five hundred dollars ($500) and shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(b) The biennial fee for the renewal of certificates shall be a minimum of three hundred dollars ($300) and shall not exceed four hundred dollars ($400).

(c) The delinquency fee shall be a minimum of fifty dollars ($50) and shall not exceed seventy-five dollars ($75).

(d) The California State Board of Optometry may by regulation provide for a refund of a portion of the application fee to applicants who do not meet the requirements for registration.

(e) The California State Board of Optometry may periodically revise and fix by regulation the fees specified in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), and these revised fees shall not exceed the reasonable regulatory cost.

(f) The fee for replacement of a lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate is twenty-five dollars ($25).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 17. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 3. Fiscal Provisions


text:
The amount of fees prescribed in connection with certificates for spectacle lens dispensers shall be as set forth in this section:

(a) The application and registration fee shall be a minimum of five hundred dollars ($500) and shall not exceed six hundred dollars ($600).

(b) The biennial renewal fee shall be a minimum of three hundred dollars ($300) and shall not exceed four hundred dollars ($400).

(c) The delinquency fee shall be a minimum of fifty dollars ($50) and shall not exceed seventy-five dollars ($75).

(d) The fee for replacement of a lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate is twenty-five dollars ($25).

(e) The California State Board of Optometry may periodically revise and fix by regulation the fees specified in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c), and these revised fees shall not exceed the reasonable regulatory cost.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 788, Sec. 18. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 3. Fiscal Provisions


text: Every registration issued to a dispensing ophthalmic business, contact lens dispenser, and spectacle lens dispenser shall expire 24 months after the initial date of issuance or renewal. To renew an unexpired registration, the registrant shall, before the time at which the license would otherwise expire, apply for renewal on a form prescribed by the board, and pay the renewal fee prescribed by this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 72. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Fiscal Provisions


citation: BPC § 2567

text:
(a) All fees collected from persons registered or seeking registration under this chapter shall be paid into the Optometry Fund, and shall be available, upon appropriation, to the California State Board of Optometry for the purposes of this chapter. Any moneys within the Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited in the Optometry Fund. Any moneys within the Dispensing Opticians Fund collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited in the Optometry Fund.

(b) The board may employ, subject to civil service regulations, whatever additional clerical assistance is necessary for the administration of this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 630, Sec. 73. (AB 1534) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 3. Fiscal Provisions


citation: BPC § 2568

text: The board shall report to the Controller at the beginning of each month for the month preceding the amount and source of all revenue received by it pursuant to this chapter, and shall pay the entire amount thereof to the Treasurer for deposit in the Optometry Fund.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 121, Sec. 8. (AB 896) Effective September 24, 2020.)

article: 3. Fiscal Provisions


citation: BPC § 2570

text: This chapter may be cited as the Occupational Therapy Practice Act.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 697, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2001.)

chapter: 5.6. Occupational Therapy

path: 2. HEALING ARTS > 5.6. Occupational Therapy


text: The Legislature finds and declares that the practice of occupational therapy in California affects the public health, safety, and welfare and there is a necessity for that practice to be subject to regulation and control.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 697, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2001.)