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Thread: RX expiration

  1. #1
    Bad address email on file stephanie's Avatar
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    RX expiration

    Ok, I have a stupid question here so bear with me. I have always been told that if an rx has no expiration date on it that it expires in 2 years now the place I am working at is saying it is good til death do we part....I can not find anything on the TN opticians rules where this says it. Who is right? Thanks for all help in advance.



    Steph

  2. #2
    Master OptiBoarder
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    Maybe it varies in certain states but in Michigan or at least where I have worked if it doesn't have an expiration date, it is not expired. Now, common sense would tell you that a four year old Rx should be updated but if the patient brings one in and is bullheaded enough to want to use it, so be it. I had one the other day. I simply filled it as written and noted in the record that the patient had refused an eye exam. At least he got new frames.

  3. #3
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    In Mississippi it expires in two years if written by an O.D. and does not have an expiration on it. Most of the O.M.D.'s I have worked with say they don't care much about this but we tell all patients to see their ophthalmologist at least every two years unless the doctor has told them otherwise.
    It helps to know the prescribers feelings on this to stay out of trouble. However if you work at an M.D. owned dispensary (and I am pretty sure you do) you are covered if you are following your employer's instructions, as technically he, not you are filling the Rx.

    Chip

    Another concideration: What is the policy the outfit you work for on giving out such Rx's. If it's x amount of time, they you should not fill even in house Rx's beyond x amount of time without an new exam.
    Last edited by chip anderson; 04-24-2007 at 07:26 AM.

  4. #4
    Master OptiBoarder
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    In the state of California, an rx must have an expiration date to be valid.

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    The answer is it indeed varies from state to state, both valid length of Rx and whether or not an expiration date has to be explicitly indicated.

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    Forgot to add, neutralizing lenses never expires (or course), but the legality of that varies as well from what I understand.

  7. #7
    Master OptiBoarder
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr_Mitchell View Post
    Forgot to add, neutralizing lenses never expires (or course), but the legality of that varies as well from what I understand.
    We can't even neutralize here in Ca.

  8. #8
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    In Louisiana, it is illegal to write a prescription without and expiration date also. Max period of time is 18 months, most OD's here write for an expiration date in 1 year. Neutralizing an RX is highly illegal here.

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    Master OptiBoarder Snitgirl's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CME4SPECS View Post
    We can't even neutralize here in Ca.
    Are you 100% sure about this CME4SPECS?

  10. #10
    Master OptiBoarder
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    Quote Originally Posted by Snitgirl View Post
    Are you 100% sure about this CME4SPECS?
    Absolutely positively! I am an independent Dispensing Optician. You may have done it if you worked for an OD in CA.

  11. #11
    Master OptiBoarder Snitgirl's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by CME4SPECS View Post
    Absolutely positively! I am an independent Dispensing Optician. You may have done it if you worked for an OD in CA.
    Can you send me the link where it states this in the california codes?

    Thanks Mucho :D

  12. #12
    ATO Member HarryChiling's Avatar
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    http://www.state.tn.us/sos/rules/1045/1045-02.pdf

    I didn't see anything in regards to spectacle Rx's, but heres some info.
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    *Dave at OptiVision has a web based tracer integration package that's awesome.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Snitgirl View Post
    Can you send me the link where it states this in the california codes?

    Thanks Mucho :D
    2556. It is unlawful to do any of the following: to advertise the
    furnishing of, or to furnish, the services of a refractionist, an
    optometrist, or a physician and surgeon; to directly or indirectly
    employ or maintain on or near the premises used for optical
    dispensing, a refractionist, an optometrist, a physician and surgeon,
    or a practitioner of any other profession 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.
    I will PM you the link.

  14. #14
    Bad address email on file stephanie's Avatar
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    Thanks everyone. I called TN opticianry board no one there could give me an answer...I even contacted FTC.gov and didn't get an answer. Hmmm...so how would this be beneficial to my pt? I am still going to try to find out some definate answer as I do not like being told they are good forever. I certainly don't want someone who potentially has glaucoma finding out it is too late to help them simply because some optician just kept filling eyeglass rx from 1987 you know? I never would but hey some of these companies really only care about money and not the pt. I care about pts even if it means making them mad. It is in their own best interest.

    Steph

  15. #15
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter Barry Santini's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by stephanie View Post
    . I certainly don't want someone who potentially has glaucoma finding out it is too late to help them simply because some optician just kept filling eyeglass rx from 1987 you know?
    Steph
    If patient health safety is the goal, you're really talking to the subject of eye-screening and eye exams, not eyewear.

    Anyone, at anytime, can "wear" their old(er) corrections, and there's no law to stop them...and would you even want a law restricting this option?

    It's my right to use "expired" meds...I assume the consequences. Regular eye exams are important...but are you willing to legislate their need for every citizen?

    My thoughts, what are yours?

    Barry

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    Bravo, Barry. But we both know that Boards of Optometry are quite willing to lobby for such legislation at every oportunity.

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