§7601. Availability of contact lens prescriptions to patients

15 U.S.C. § 7601

(a)

In general— When a prescriber completes a contact lens fitting, the prescriber—

(1)

whether or not requested by the patient, shall provide to the patient a copy of the contact lens prescription; and

(2)

shall, as directed by any person designated to act on behalf of the patient, provide or verify the contact lens prescription by electronic or other means.

(b)

Limitations— A prescriber may not—

(1)

require purchase of contact lenses from the prescriber or from another person as a condition of providing a copy of a prescription under subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) or verification of a prescription under subsection (a)(2);

(2)

require payment in addition to, or as part of, the fee for an eye examination, fitting, and evaluation as a condition of providing a copy of a prescription under subsection (a)(1) or (a)(2) or verification of a prescription under subsection (a)(2); or

(3)

require the patient to sign a waiver or release as a condition of verifying or releasing a prescription.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

(Pub. L. 108–164, § 2, Dec. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 2024.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 108–164, § 12, Dec. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 2028, provided that: “This Act [enacting this chapter and provisions set out as a note below] shall take effect 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 6, 2003].”

Short Title

Pub. L. 108–164, § 1, Dec. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 2024, provided that: “This Act [enacting this chapter and provisions set out as a note above] may be cited as the ‘Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act’.”