17-89-203. Powers and duties.

17-89-203. Powers and duties. (a) The Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians shall: (1)(A) Administer, coordinate, and enforce the provisions of this chapter, evaluate qualifications and supervise the examination of applicants for licensure or registry under this chapter, and investigate complaints, allegations, and charges of practices violating the provisions of this chapter or rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. (B) In evaluating qualifications and supervising the examination of applicants for licensure or registry under this chapter, verify an applicant's qualifications, establish the format and content of examination procedures, administer both the practical and written examinations at least one (1) time each year, and issue a certificate of licensure or certificate of registry to each applicant successfully meeting the qualifications and passing the examination; (2) Establish annually a schedule of examination and license fees based on the Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians' financial requirements for the ensuing year; (3) Compile and maintain a book of licensure and a book of registry of all dispensing opticians who are licensed or registered to engage in the business of ophthalmic dispensing in the State of Arkansas, which shall be updated annually. The Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians shall annually furnish a copy of the books to the State Board of Optometry and the Ophthalmology Section of the Arkansas Medical Society, Inc.; (4) Register on an annual basis apprentice dispensing opticians together with the licensed or registered dispensing optician by whom they are employed; (5) Prepare and present an annual report of administration, licensure, registry, and investigation to the State Board of Optometry and to the Ophthalmology Section of the Arkansas Medical Society, Inc.; (6) Establish by rules those acts on the part of any person licensed or registered under this chapter which shall constitute improper conduct and grounds for revocation or suspension of a license or registry or refusal to renew the license or registry; (7) Investigate reported violations of this chapter and rules adopted pursuant to this chapter and take such steps as may be necessary to enforce this chapter and the rules; (8) Conduct hearings and keep such records and minutes as are necessary for the orderly dispatch of its functions. The Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians shall provide notice to appropriate persons in the manner it considers appropriate of the times and places of all hearings authorized under this chapter; (9) Adopt rules commensurate with the policies of this chapter and for the purpose of carrying this chapter into effect, including, but not limited to, rules which establish ethical standards of ophthalmic dispensing practices, application procedures, and procedures for investigating complaints. Following their adoption, the rules shall govern and control the business conduct of every person licensed or registered under this chapter in this state engaged in ophthalmic dispensing; and (10) Have the discretion to adopt an official seal. (b) The Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq., shall apply to all authority and procedures of the Arkansas Board of Dispensing Opticians.