§34-22-23. Grounds for revocation or suspension.

Any of the following shall constitute grounds for revocation of license or suspension of license for a definite period of time, for a private or public reprimand, for probation, for the levying and collection of an administrative fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation, for the institution of any legal proceedings necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter:

(1) Fraud, deceit, dishonesty, or misrepresentation, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in the practice of optometry or in obtaining any license, license certificate, annual registration certificate, or other thing of value.

(2) Incompetency.

(3) Conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor which involves moral turpitude.

(4) Gross immorality.

(5) Habitual drunkenness or addiction to the use of morphine, cocaine, or other drugs having similar effect.

(6) Insanity, as adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(7) Directly or indirectly employing, hiring, procuring, or inducing a person, not licensed to practice optometry in this state, to so practice.

(8) Directly or indirectly aiding or abetting in the practice of optometry any person not duly licensed to practice under this chapter.

(9) Directly or indirectly employing solicitors, canvassers, or agents for the purpose of obtaining patronage.

(10) Willfully or repeatedly violating any of the provisions of this chapter.

(11) Practicing or attempting to practice optometry under a name other than one's own name as set forth on the license certificate.

(12) Lending, leasing, renting, or in any other manner placing his or her license or license certificate at the disposal or in the service of any person not licensed to practice optometry in this state.

(13) Soliciting patients by fraudulent or misleading advertising of any kind, nature, or description.

(14) Failing to comply with the continuing education requirements established by the board pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(15) Practicing optometry in any temporary office, apart from a regularly established office; provided, that a licensed optometrist may establish a branch office if the branch office is duly equipped with the instruments necessary, according to rules and regulations promulgated by the board, to make complete optometric examination; provided further, that the branch office is in personal and direct charge of the optometrist establishing it or a licensed associate.

(16) Practicing optometry as the employee of any person, group, association, or corporation on the basis of any fee splitting or on any basis which has the effect of any such agreement; provided, that the provisions of this subdivision shall not be so construed as to prohibit a licensed optometrist from participating in health maintenance organizations composed of licensed professional practitioners in the health care field, other similar ethical professional health care groups, or in professional associations or professional corporations organized under Alabama law or penalize him or her for participation; provided further, that the provisions of this subdivision shall not be so construed as to prohibit a licensed optometrist from practicing as the partner, employee, or associate of another licensed optometrist or a physician.

(17) Violating any other standards of professional conduct as may be adopted as rules by the board.

(Acts 1975, No. 1148, p. 2257, §9; Acts 1975, 4th Ex. Sess., No. 124, p. 2818, §1; Acts 1989, No. 89-233, p. 288, §3; Acts 1995, No. 95-218, p. 370, §1; Act 2005-77, p. 120, §3.)