Virginia Law

A. The board is empowered to revoke, suspend, or refuse to grant or renew a license and is empowered to impose a fine up to the statutory limit, as authorized under § 54.1-202 of the Code of Virginia, per violation on a licensee for any of the following reasons:

1. Using nonprescribed controlled substances as defined in § 54.1-3401 of the Code of Virginia or alcohol at the work place during working hours;

2. Displaying professional incompetence or negligence, including failure to comply with this part in the performance of opticianry;

3. Presenting false or fraudulent information on an application certifying possession of the qualifications required under 18VAC80-30-20;

4. Violating or inducing others to violate any provisions of Chapter 1, 2, 3, or 15 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, or of any other statute applicable to the practice of the profession herein regulated, or of any provisions of this chapter;

5. Publishing or causing to be published any advertisement related to opticianry that is false, deceptive, or misleading;

6. Having been convicted in any jurisdiction of a misdemeanor or felony involving sexual offense or physical injury, or of any felony involving drug distribution or that directly relates to the profession of opticianry. The board shall have the authority to determine, based upon all the information available, including the applicant's record of prior convictions, if the applicant is unfit or unsuited to engage in the profession of opticianry. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of this section. The licensee shall provide a certified copy of a final order, decree or case decision by a court or regulatory agency with the lawful authority to issue such order, decree or case decision, and such copy shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of such conviction. This record shall be forwarded by the licensee to the board within 10 days after all appeal rights have expired;

7. Having been disciplined by another jurisdiction in the practice of opticianry. Documentary evidence of such discipline shall be submitted by the licensee to the board within 10 days after all appeal rights have expired; or

8. Allowing any person to engage in the practice of opticianry, except an optician apprentice or student enrolled in a course in a school of opticianry under the direct supervision of a licensed optician.

B. A finding of improper or dishonest conduct in the practice of the profession by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be cause for disciplinary action.