Section 852IAC1-12-5. Discontinuation of practice

   (a) An optometrist, upon his retirement or upon discontinuation of the practice of optometry, or upon leaving or moving from a community, shall notify all of his active patients in writing, or by publication once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, in a newspaper of general circulation in the community, that he intends to discontinue his practice of optometry in the community, and shall encourage his patients to seek the services of another licensed practitioner. The optometrist discontinuing his practice shall make reasonable arrangements with his active patients for the transfer of his records, or copies, thereof, to the succeeding practitioner or an optometric association approved by the board.

  (b) Nothing provided in this section shall preclude, prohibit or prevent an optometrist from selling, conveying or transferring for valuable consideration, the optometrist's patient records to another licensed practitioner who is assuming his practice, provided that written notice is given to patients as provided in this section. (Indiana Optometry Board; 852 IAC 1-12-5; filed May 11, 1987, 9:00 am: 10 IR 1877; readopted filed Jul 10, 2001, 3:00 p.m.: 24 IR 4238; readopted filed Jul 19, 2007, 12:56 p.m.: 20070808-IR-852070059RFA; readopted filed Nov 25, 2013, 9:21 a.m.: 20131225-IR-852130281RFA)