32 M.R.S. §20158: Release of contact lens prescription

(WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE 1/1/27)

After contact lenses have been adequately fitted and the patient released from immediate follow-up care by the physician, the patient may request a copy of the contact lens specifications from the physician. The physician shall provide a copy of the prescription at no cost, which must contain the information necessary to properly duplicate the current prescription. The contact lens prescription must contain an expiration date not to exceed 24 months from the date of issue. The prescription may contain fitting guidelines and may also contain specific instructions for use by the patient. The prescribing physician is not liable for an injury to or a condition of a patient that results from negligence in packaging, manufacturing or dispensing lenses by anyone other than the prescribing physician. The dispensing party may dispense contact lenses only upon receipt of a written prescription, except that a physician may fill a prescription of an optometrist or another physician without a copy of the prescription. Mail order contact lens suppliers must be licensed by and register with the Maine Board of Pharmacy pursuant to section 13751, subsection 3‑A and are subject to discipline by that board for violations of that board's rules and the laws governing the board. An individual who fills a contact lens prescription shall maintain a file of that prescription for a period of 5 years. An individual, a corporation or any other entity, other than a mail order contact lens supplier, that improperly fills a contact lens prescription or fills an expired prescription commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 may be adjudged. An individual may file a complaint with the board seeking disciplinary action concerning violations of this section.