Hi All:
A rulemaking hearing for the Board of Dispensing Opticians is scheduled on December 21, 2005. According to the Notice of Rulemaking Hearing, Rule 0480-1-.20 pertaining to advertising is amended by deleting the language of the rule in its entirety and substituting new paragraphs (1) through (6). Paragraph (4) Advertising Content states: The following acts or omissions in the context if advertisement by any licensee shall constitute unethical and unprofessional conduct, and subject the licensee to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. §63-14-104.
(b) The misleading use of an unearned or non-health degree in any advertisement.
This rule change would prohibit use of properly earned academic degrees and will treat any mention of such achievements as unethical or nonprofessional conduct. According to my research, disallowing the mention of such degrees would be a unique first for Tennessee, and possibly the nation as well. I find it difficult to comprehend why this licensing board would deny any individual the right to list properly earned and fully accredited educational credentials that exceed the sparse minimums required for this particular field. Is anyone aware of similar actions in other states?
Roy
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