Maine Board of Optometry 113 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 6, 2016 BOARD MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Dr. Ebersole, O.D. at 9:00 a.m. in the Androscoggin Room at the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation in Gardiner, Maine.
Members present: Stephen Ebersole, O.D., Blaine Littlefield, O.D., Paul Cote, O.D., Thomas Nadeau, O.D, Parise Chamberland, O.D and Normand LaPlante, Public Member
Others present: Tina Carpentier, Board Secretary, Judith M. Peters, Assistant Attorney General and three citizens.
OLD BUSINESS:
Action on Minutes of August 5, 2016 Meeting: A motion was made by Dr. Nadeau seconded by Normand LaPlante to accept the minutes as written.
Motion passed unanimously.
Update form Dr. Littlefield - Telemedicine: Dr. Littlefield updated the Board with information he researched on Telemedicine. Dr. Littlefield will review the Telemedicine law that was passed by the Maine State Medical Board, to discuss at the February Board Meeting.
Dr. Kathryn Ward, O.D letter intermediate RX Prescriptions: The Board reviewed the letter dated May 12, 2016 regarding prescription authority.
A motion was made by Dr. Cote seconded by Dr. Littlefield to send a letter stating under the Maine State Optometry law, an optician cannot alter any prescription information. Secretary to draft letter.
Motion passed 6-0
CE requirements for instructors - Dr. Nadeau: Instructors may get a onetime credit for the value of course hours when presenting a continuing education class.
A motion was made by Dr. Littlefield seconded by Dr. Chamberland to allow onetime credit to instructors for the value of the course hours.
Motion passed 6-0 Summary on ARBO Annual Meeting- Dr. Littlefield: Dr. Littlefield discussed his notes with the Board members on the ARBO Annual Meeting.
BMV New Rules Effective 12/31/2016: The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will send out the New Rules to all Maine Optometrist the beginning of December 2016.
Review November Newsletter 2016: The Board reviewed and made some changes to the Board’s Newsletter. The Secretary will make the changes and Dr. Ebersole will give final approval before emailing to all Optometrists.
NEW BUSINESS:
Election of Officers: A motion was made by Normand LaPlante, seconded by Dr. Littlefield to re-elect the current slate of officers.
Dr. Stephen Ebersole, O.D., President Dr. Blaine Littlefield, O.D., Complaint Officer Dr. Thomas Nadeau, O.D., CE Officer Normand LaPlante, Public Member, Secretary/Treasurer
Motion passed 6-0
Schedule 2017 Board Meetings/Exam Dates
February 3, 2017 May 5, 2017 August 4, 2017 November 3, 2017
Email from Samuel Senft: The Board reviewed the email dated August 8, 2016 from Samuel Senft asking if amniotic membrane transplantation falls within the scope of practice for Optometrists?
A motion was made by Dr. Cote seconded by Normand LaPlante to send a letter informing Mr. Senft that Insurance reimbursement codes are not authoritative with respect to scopes of practice issues.
Motion passed 6-0
Email from Dr. Katherine Hill, O.D. The Board reviewed the email dated October 11, 2016 asking if Pelleve treatments fall within the scope of practice for Optometrists?
A motion was made by Dr. Nadeau seconded by Dr. Chamberland to send a letter informing Dr. Hill that Pelleve treatments are not within the legal scope of practice authorized by the Board’s Laws.
Motion passed 6-0
Letter dated Dr. Jessilin Quint: The Board reviewed the correspondence dated October 13, 2016 asking for an official position regarding a co-ownership arrangement between multiple licensed optometrists and one non-optometrist. A motion was made by Dr. Nadeau seconded by Normand LaPlante to send a letter advising that the Board is not permitted to give private legal advice.
Motion passed 6-0
COMPLAINTS
Complaint #2016-OPT-12578: After presentation and discussion, a motion was made by Dr. Nadeau, seconded by Dr. Chamberland to issue a consent agreement. Judith Peters, AAG will draft consent agreement.
The motion passed 5-1 recused (Dr. Littlefield)
Complaint #2016-OPT-12579: After presentation and discussion, a motion was made by Dr. Chamberland, seconded by Dr. Cote to issue a Letter of Guidance. Judith Peters, AAG will draft the Letter of Guidance.
The motion passed 5-1 recused (Dr. Littlefield)
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: None
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Dr. Littlefield was reappointed to the Board by the Governor on October 21, 2016 for another 5 years. The increase for Out-of-State travel has been submitted for the 2018 and 2019 budget. Normand LaPlante, Treasurer was given a copy of the cash and expense report for review.
ADJOURNED: A motion was made by Dr. Cote, seconded by Dr. Littlefield to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 am.
Motion passed unanimously.
The next meeting will be held on February 3, 2017.
Respectfully submitted
Tina Carpentier Secretary, Maine Board of Optometry