MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Senator(s) White (5th)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-19-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PRESCRIBE AN ANNUAL CERTIFICATE RENEWAL FEE FOR OPTOMETRISTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 73-19-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

73-19-21. Said board shall charge the following fees for examination, registrations and renewals of certificates: The sum of not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for an examination of an applicant who is a resident of Mississippi and not more than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) for a nonresident of Mississippi to cover the additional expenses of checking references, character and other statements contained in the application. Every registered optometrist who desires to continue the practice of optometry shall, annually, on or before January 1, pay to the secretary of the board a renewal registration fee of not more than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for which he shall receive a renewal of his certificate. The board, in its discretion, may set the annual renewal registration fee at different amounts for registered optometrists, for registered optometrists certified to use diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, and for registered optometrists certified to use diagnostic and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, not to exceed Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00).

In case of neglect to pay the renewal registration fee herein specified, the board may revoke such certificate and the holder thereof may be reinstated by complying with the conditions specified in this chapter. But no certificate or permit shall be revoked without giving sixty (60) days' notice to the delinquent, who, within such period shall have the right of renewal of such certificate on payment of the renewal fee with a penalty of not more than Fifteen Dollars ($15.00), provided, that retirement from practice for a period not exceeding five (5) years shall not deprive the holder of said certificate of the right to renew his certificate on the payment of all lapsed fees. The board shall adopt a seal and certificate of suitable design and shall conduct its examination at Jackson, in this state. Its permanent records shall be kept in the office of the secretary, which records shall be open to public inspection.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.