COVID-19 State of Emergency Expires
On March 22, 2022, the General Assembly approved final passage of SJR 150, which officially ended the COVID-related state of emergency in Kentucky. With the state of emergency lifted, Kentucky Licensed Optometrists may return to pre-pandemic conditions. It is the responsibility of every practicing Optometrist to ensure the safety of themselves, staff, and of patients under their care, especially those with underlying conditions, which make them more vulnerable to infectious conditions. Kentucky Licensed Optometrists are urged to consult with CDC Guidelines to maintain the appropriate level of prevention and care. Further review OSHA's website for workplace requirements and regulations .
While licensees may return to practicing under pre-pandemic conditions, they can and should continue use to their professional judgement to follow the protocols they deem appropriate for their unique staff and patient environment.
Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners
2365 Harrodsburg Road, Suite A240
Lexington, Kentucky 40504-3333
ATTENTION 2022 OPTOMETRY GRADUATES
The Board has waived the requirement that applicants in the Optometry school graduating classes of 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 pass Part III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO®), including the Injections Skill Exam (ISE®).
If you will be applying for a KY license, the Board would like to have your application ASAP. All supporting application documents should be received by June 7, 2022. The KY Law Exam will be administered on Friday June 24, 2022 at 9:00AM (Eastern Time) at the Hyatt Regency Lexington, 401 West High Street, Lexington, Kentucky, United States, 40507. For those who are fully vaccinated masks will be optional, however for those who are not fully vaccinated, masks will be required. The location for the law exam is the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1801 Newtown Pike in Lexington. A copy of the statutes and regulations can be downloaded from this web page. This will be your study guide for the exam.
The Board will meet in June, to review your application for license. If you pass the law exam, and have provided a completed application the Board will license you and you will be given your initial licensure letter that day. The letter will indicate a pro-rated licensure fee of $190 plus $50 for a TPA certificate and large wall certificate will be due. This fee must be paid before a license number will be issued. You will not be permitted to practice prior to receiving your license number. If you want to pay the fee of $240 fee on the date of the law exam, following the exam, only checks will be accepted.
All new licensees are required to be credentialed in Expanded Therapeutic Procedures prior to the second renewal of license. If your optometry school did not include all components of 201 KAR 5:110 Section 1 (2), you will be required to complete the 32-hour ETP course. Contact the Kentucky Optometric Association at 502-875-3516 for more information relating to this course.
FREE On-Line Pain Management Continuing Education
Link:
http://www.cecentral.com/addictionky Two hours of pain management coursework are required annually as long as you have a DEA license. The courses are sponsored by the University of KY and are free. There are several courses available and you will need to complete 2 courses to equal 2 hours annually.
You will be required to create a CE Central Account if you are a first time user. Click the link above for course offerings.
After you make your course selection, click on "Learn More" in the Activity Detail box to the right of the course title. Watch the video and answer the questions at the end. Print your completion certificate and fax to the Board at 859-246-2746. Remember you cannot repeat a course. Print your transcript and it will show courses already taken. Call UK CE Central at 859-257-5320 if you have any problems.
ANOTHER OPTION FOR COMPLETING THE PAIN MANAGEMENT/ADDICTION DISORDER COURSE:
1. Course: Pain Management in the Optometric Practice for 2 hours
2. Course: Narcotic Prescribing and Drug Diversion for 2 hours
Remember to forward your completion certificate to the board office.
NOTICE
Applicants for initial licensure shall submit to a FBI criminal background check by means of a finger-print check pursuant to 201 KAR 5:010 Section 2(a)(b) & KRS 218A.205
STATE AND FEDERAL (FINGERPRINTING) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS
Note: All state and federal background checks are valid for a period of six months.
EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2021 - A NEW PROCESS FOR STATE AND FEDERAL (FINGERPRINTING) BACKGROUND CHECKS
All applicants will need to register via the UEnroll website utilizing our Service Code (27GJZY). You will are now able to complete both the state and federal (fingerprinting) background checks through this service.
IdentoGO is committed to a 98% classifiable rate, which means quality prints, less rejections, and quick responses. Appointments are available by scheduling on-line at http://uenroll.identogo.com or by calling 1-844-543-9714.
This new process:
- Eliminates the need to request background checks from two separate entities
- Improves the capture, accuracy, tracking and delivery of record information for background check purposes
- Ensures data integrity, data validation, error remediation, and improved systemperformance
- Eliminates the need for agencies to capture fingerprints, collect payments, and remit for processing
- Eliminates the need for the Kentucky State Police (KSP) to manually scan and process fingerprint hard cards
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