2.2.3: Is able to work within the law and within the codes and guidance set by regulator and profession Flashcards
(CS) Indicators: Demonstrates knowledge of the advice and guidance set by the respective professional body and standards set by their local CCG Demonstrates knowledge of standards of practice set by GOC Demonstrates a knowledge of relevant law relating to their role e.g. opticians act, GOS benefits, fees and charges, Medicines Act Understands the implications for px care in relation to the mental capacity act 2005
GOC
- Governing body and UK regulator for the optical professions with statutory responsibility for setting standards of performance and education
- GOC standards of practice define the standards of behavior and performance expected of all optometrists
- Protects public
- 4 main roles: set standards, approve qualifications, maintain a register, and investigate and act when a registrant’s ability to practice/train/carry on business is impaired
- Set comps & CET guidelines – dictates which comps need to be met, guidelines
GOC standards
- Listen to patients and ensure that they are at the heart of the decisions made about their case
- Communicate effectively with your patients
- Obtain valid consent
- Show care and compassion for your patients
- Keep your knowledge and skills up to date
- Recognize, and work within, your limits of competence
- Conduct appropriate assessments, examinations, treatments and referrals
- Maintain adequate patient records
- Ensure that supervision is undertaken appropriately and complies with a law
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in the interest of patients
- Protect and safeguard patients, colleagues and others from harm
- Ensure a safe environment for your patients
- Show respect and fairness to others and do not discriminate
- Maintain confidentiality and respect your patients’ privacy
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with others
- Be honest and trustworthy
- Do not damage the reputation of your profession through your conduct
- Respond to complaints effectively
- Be candid when things have gone wrong
College of optometrists:
- registered charity; professional examining body for optometrists (optional to be member); set guidelines i.e. CMGs
- Supporting its Members in all aspects of professional development, the College provides Pre-Registration training and assessment, continuous professional development opportunities, and advice and guidance on professional conduct and standards, enabling our Members to serve their patients well and contribute to the wellbeing of local communities.
Association of optometrists:
provide indemnity insurance, do not write the laws/legislation
- Protect - medical malpractice insurance & legal defense
- Support - services & benefits for members to fulfill professional roles
- Represent - shaping the sector & positively influencing members’ working lives
- Provide professional indemnity insurance
Medicines Act 1968
- Act of parliament which governs the control of medicines for human use and veterinary use, which includes the manufacture and supply of medications
- Regulates use & supply of drugs/what diagnostic drugs are available, PoM/P/GSL, IP vs Entry
Categories of Drugs:
- GSL General sales list medicine - ‘Off-the-shelf’ - safe enough without any supervision
- P Pharmacy medicine (OTC) - ‘Behind-the-counter’ - pharmacist supervision e.g. advice on suitability, specific warnings depeding on px such as pregnancy
- PoM Prescription-only medicine - In the dispensary’ - given at pharmacies but given by appropriate practitioner
- CD Controlled Drugs - Strict legal control - prevents harm, misuse & illegal use
Medicines Act 1968: Sell/supply?…
Pharmacists may sell or supply certain POMs against an order signed by a registered optometrist.
Optometrists may sell or supply specific POMs
- in response to an emergency situation
- or in the course of their professional practice
Provided it is in the course of their professional practice, registered optometrists may sell or supply:
- all GSL medicines
- all P medicines
- only certain specified POMs (i.e. not all POMs that an optometrist can use are allowed to be supplied to, or prescribed for, the patient e.g. anaesthetic.)
Medicines Act 1968:Signed Order:
Given to the patient by an optometrist. Written on headed practice paper.
State:
- Patients name, address and d.o.b.
- Drug
- Concentration
- Directions, e.g. QDS for 3 days (QDS = 4 times daily)
- Purpose
Signed
- Optometrist’s name and address
- GOC number
Noted in patient record (keep a copy for at least 2 years).
Opticians Act
- 1958 and 1989 (didn’t introduce anything new/consolidation bill) based on the crook report
- 2005 amendment changed ophthalmic optician to optometrist; and added mandatory amount of CET points; added implications for impaired fitness to practice
- Legislation compiled by parliament which gives the GOC the powers to make orders, rules and regulations in relevant areas
- The sections include: GOC, registration and training of opticians, fitness to practice, proceedings and appears, restrictions
- We have do heath check as well as refraction
GOS
GOS 1 – application for NHS eye exam
GOS 2 – Px’s optical prescription
GOS 3 – NHS voucher
GOS4 – NHS optical repair/replacement <16s
Recalls:One year recall acceptable if:
Under 16
60 or over
Diabetic
Sight impaired/severely sight impaired – code 9
Recalls: Two years
- 16-59
- Diabetic on DRS
- Family history glaucoma – was prev 1yr, now can only claim a sup if 1yr recall
- OHT (used to be 1 yr)2wq
Early re-exam
Code 7 – new to practice/no previous details – not suitable if LEE prev specsavers
Code 8 – if px was put on 1yr recall at 15, and is now 16
PEE includes:
history, eye health assessment, refraction and visual function, communication of findings, capture and record digital image for over 60s, opticians act ‘to perform such exams of the eye for the purpose of detecting injury, disease or abnormality in the eye or elsewhere’
Most common Supplementary
- Codes 2.5, 2.8, 4.5, 4.8 can be claimed on same day as a primary – where the sup eye exam is an emergency
Most common codes to use:
- 2.0 cyclo refraction
- 2.5 anterior eye problem (can’t claim sup’s for CL red eyes)
- 2.8 unscheduled appointment – i.e. feels change
- 4s = enhanced (dilation)
