NAC636.290. Consultation with and referral to ophthalmologist; records.

     1. An optometrist who treats persons for glaucoma in consultation with an ophthalmologist pursuant to NRS 636.2891, 636.2893 and 636.2895 shall:

     (a) Conduct an optometric examination of the patient at least once every 4 months for not less than 1 year;

     (b) Provide written records of each examination of a patient and the treatment to the consulting ophthalmologist; and

     (c) Refer the patient to an ophthalmologist for further examination or treatment if the ophthalmologist determines, after reviewing the written records, that such a referral is necessary.

     2. Within 30 days after a consulting ophthalmologist receives the records of an optometric examination and a course of treatment from an optometrist, the consulting ophthalmologist shall notify the optometrist in writing as to whether the consulting ophthalmologist agrees to the course of treatment outlined by the optometrist.

     3. During the period before an optometrist is certified to treat persons diagnosed with glaucoma, the optometrist shall not treat any patient found to have any of the conditions or complications set forth in NRS 636.2891 which require referral of such patients to an ophthalmologist.

     4. The records of each patient created as a result of treatment provided by an optometrist in accordance with the provisions of this section and NRS 636.2891:

     (a) Must be retained by the optometrist for not less than 5 years as required by NRS 629.051; and

     (b) Are subject to examination by the Board.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Optometry by R126-99, eff. 12-13-99)