Category: News
The FTC announced significant updates to the Contact Lens Rule and Eyeglass Rule that directly impact how optometrists and ophthalmologists handle patient prescriptions. While practices have always been required to provide prescriptions to patients, the new regulations add critical documentation requirements.
All eye care practices must provide patients with a free copy of their prescription immediately following an eye exam. This isn't new, but the FTC has strengthened enforcement around this longstanding requirement.
Here's the major change: In certain circumstances, prescribers must now request a patient's signature confirming they received their prescription. This creates a documented paper trail that protects both the practice and the patient.
Practices must keep records of these prescription confirmations for at least three years. This means you need a reliable system for storing, organizing, and retrieving these documents during potential audits.
The updates stem from concerns about patient access to their prescriptions and the need for greater transparency in the eye care industry. The FTC found that some patients were unaware they had the right to their prescription or felt pressured to purchase eyewear at the examining practice.
By requiring documented confirmation, the FTC aims to ensure patients receive their prescriptions and understand their right to purchase eyewear wherever they choose.
Non-compliance with FTC regulations isn't something to take lightly. Practices that fail to meet these requirements face:
Perhaps most concerning: Each instance of non-compliance can be considered a separate violation. In a busy practice seeing dozens of patients daily, violations can add up quickly.
For many practices, the biggest hurdle isn't providing prescriptions—it's creating and maintaining the required documentation trail.
Traditional paper-based systems create several problems:
Forward-thinking eye care practices are moving away from paper-based confirmation systems and implementing digital solutions specifically designed for this requirement.
The key is finding a system that:
If you haven't already addressed the FTC's updated requirements, here's what you should do immediately:
Review Your Current Process -- How are you currently documenting that patients receive their prescriptions? Do you have a system in place for the new signature requirement? Where are these records stored
Assess Your Record-Keeping System -- Can you quickly retrieve a patient's prescription confirmation from three, six, or twelve months ago? If an FTC audit happened tomorrow, could you produce the required documentation?
Train Your Staff -- Does everyone at your front desk understand the new requirements? Are they consistently capturing confirmations for every patient?
Consider a Digital Solution -- Paper-based systems are error-prone and difficult to maintain. A digital signature solution designed specifically for eye care practices can ensure compliance while actually improving your checkout experience.
The FTC's updated prescription rules aren't optional—they're mandatory for all eye care practices regardless of size. The good news is that compliance doesn't have to be complicated or disruptive to your operations.
With the right system in place, you can meet these requirements seamlessly while actually improving your practice's efficiency and patient experience.
Don't wait for an audit to discover gaps in your compliance. Take action now to protect your practice and ensure you're meeting all FTC requirements.
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