Release of spectacle prescriptions: an update

Due to the provisions of the Federal Trade Commission's prescription release rule, the patients of optometrists are entitled to a copy of the spectacle prescription following the examination.

The FTC rule and provisions of various state laws that regulate the release of information from medical records have been reviewed to determine the specific legal requirements that govern the release of spectacle prescriptions.

Although the FTC rule does not require specific information to be included in a spectacle prescription, in 19 states specific information is required, and optometrists in all states should include such additional information as they believe will be necessary to ensure that patients receive the appropriate spectacles from a third-party dispenser. In addition, the laws of 29 states require optometrists to release copies or information from patient records on request from the patient, and in 3 states optometry practice acts or board rules require the release of copies of the spectacle prescription, thereby expanding the duty to patients beyond that required by the FTC rule. In states that do not have statutory provisions, court rulings must be consulted to determine the extent of an optometrist's obligation to provide prescription information from records to patients.

These legal obligations should be observed when providing spectacle prescriptions or responding to requests for prescription information.