Contact Lens Legal Issues (F) Flashcards
What are the conditions of the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act (FCLCA)?
- mandatory release of CL Rx at the completion of the CL fit, requested or not
- fitting defined by when a successful fit has been achieved
- written Rx provided at no cost and cannot be contingent on the purchase of lenses
What are the elements of an monovision informed consent?
- evidence of reduced binocularity and depth perception
2. recommend glasses over or take lenses out while driving
What are the elements of an extended wear informed consent?
- increased risks of ocular complications
AND pt must: - Maintain regularly scheduled follow up appts
- Care for lenses appropriately
- Wear and replace lenses appropriately
- Monitor significant ocular symptoms and remove lenses and report for care immediately if occurs
Who is liable for a product liability case?
- CL practitioners
2, dispensers are liable if defective product
What are the most common doctor-patient agreements that are made to be signed?
- CL fitting agreements
- CL service agreements
- informed consent
What are the best practices in order to minimize the risk of malpractice loss?
- communication is key
- clear, accurate, and complete documentation
- provide 24 hour access to emergency services
- refer patients you are unable to fit, need specialty care, or have adv ocular complication
What are the elements of a CRT informed consent?
same as EW but also that it is a temporary reduction in refractive error
What CL wearers need to for sure sign an informed consent?
- extended wear
- corneal refractive therapy (CRT)
- monovision or multifocal lens wear
How long must lens sellers keep records of verification transactions?
3 years
What are the requirements elements on a CL Rx?
- patient name
- date of exam
- issue date and expiration
- name, address, phone number, fax number of prescriber
- lens manufacturer
- lens material
- lens powers
- base curves
- diameters
What are the additional elements that are recommended to be put onto CL Rx’s?
- wear schedule
- replacement schedule
- care instructions
- maximal amount to be dispensed
What is the doctor-patient agreement that is for existing patients that wear CLs that talks about costs for lenses and care? 1. What should you never call this? 2
- contact lens service agreement
2. contact lens insurance plan
What are the most common cases of negligence in CL care?
- Failure to deliver comprehensive eyecare
- Failure to provide adequate follow up CL care
- Ocular health complications resulting from CL wear, especially extended wear
What is the doctor-patient agreement that educates the patient on the basics of CL fitting for a new wearer and the specifics for your office (cost, refund, etc)?
contact lens fitting agreements
What is the doctor-patient agreement that talks about the right of the patient to refuse any procedure and they have the info from the doctor?
informed consent