§7601. Availability of contact lens prescriptions to patients

(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.

( 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'."