SNL2005 CHAPTER D-25.1 - DISPENSING OPTICIANS ACT, 2005

SNL2005 CHAPTER D-25.1 DISPENSING OPTICIANS ACT, 2005 Amended: 2012 c35 s6; 2012 cO-7.02 s60; 2013 c16 s25; 2014 c7 s6; 2014 c17; 2022 c6 CHAPTER D-25.1 AN ACT RESPECTING DISPENSING OPTICIANS (Assented to December 13, 2005 ) Analysis 1. Short title 2. Definitions 3. Application of Act 4. Board 5. Appointed members 6. Meetings of the board 7. Fees 8. By-laws 9. Annual report 10. Licence 11. Duties of registrar 12. Definitions 13. Committees 14. Allegation 15. Effect of filing allegation 16. Complaints authorization committee 17. Adjudication tribunal 18. Hearing 19. Copies of books, etc. as evidence 20. Guilty plea by respondent 21. Powers of adjudication tribunal 22. Filing and publication of decisions 23. De-registration and suspension 24. Failure to comply 25. Reinstatement and readmission 26. Costs of the board 27. Collection of fine 28. Appeal to Trial Division 29. Protection from liability 30. Regulations 31. Fees and forms 32. Prescription necessary 33. Contact lenses 34. Offence 35. Penalty 36. Effect of the Optometry Act, 2012 37. Transition 38. RSNL1990 cD-25 Rep. Be it enacted by the Lieutenant-Governor and House of Assembly in Legislative Session convened, as follows: Short title 1. This Act may be cited as the Dispensing Opticians Act, 2005. 2005 cD-25.1 s1 Back to Top Definitions 2. In this Act (a) "board" means the Dispensing Opticians Board referred to in section 4 ; (b) "dispensing optician" means a natural person licensed under this Act to practise optical dispensing; (c) "dispensing optician in training" means a person registered under this Act who is being trained to become a dispensing optician; (d) "licence" means a licence to practise as a dispensing optician issued under this Act; (e) "minister" means the minister appointed under the Executive Council Act to administer this Act; (f) "optical appliances" means lenses, spectacles, eye glasses, contact lenses or parts connected or attached to these for the relief or correction of a visual or muscular error or defect of the eyes; (g) "optical dispensing" means (i) the supplying, repairing and dispensing of optical appliances, (ii) the interpretation of prescriptions of optometrists and medical practitioners, or (iii) the fitting, adjusting and adapting of optical appliances to the human face and eyes in accordance with the prescriptions of optometrists and medical practitioners; (h) "register" means the register of dispensing opticians; and (i) "registrar" means the Registrar of Dispensing Opticians designated under this Act. 2005 cD-25.1 s2 Back to Top Application of Act 3. This Act does not apply (a) to optometrists registered under the Optometry Act, 2012 or medical practitioners licensed under the Medical Act, 2005; or (b) to the sale of non-corrective protective lenses for industrial purposes, coloured lenses that are not optical appliances, goggles or magnifying lenses that are not designated for the relief, prevention or correction of visual or ocular anomalies of the eyes. 2005 cD-25.1 s3 ; 2012 cO-7.02 s60 Back to Top Board 4. (1) The Dispensing Opticians Board is continued as a corporation without share capital for the purposes of Part XXI of the Corporations Act . (2) The board shall consist of: (a) 5 persons elected from and by dispensing opticians in accordance with the by-laws; and (b) 2 persons appointed under section 5 who are not dispensing opticians. (3) The board shall elect from among the elected members a chairperson and a registrar. (4) A member of the board may be elected for a term set by the by-laws which shall not exceed 3 years and is eligible to be re-elected, but shall not be a member of the board for more than 9 consecutive years. (5) An elected member may resign from the board by written notice to the board. (6) Where an elected member resigns, dies or becomes incapable of performing his or her duties, the remaining members shall appoint a replacement to serve until the next annual general meeting. (7) Elected members shall serve without payment for their services, but their travel and other expenses associated with their duties as members may be paid by the board, in accordance with the by-laws. (8) The board may pay the registrar for performing his or her duties under this Act, in accordance with the by-laws. 2005 cD-25.1 s4 Back to Top Appointed members 5. (1) The minister shall appoint 2 members of the board who are not dispensing opticians who are suitable to represent the public interest. (2) A person appointed under subsection (1) holds office for a term of 3 years and is eligible to be re-appointed. (3) Where a person appointed under subsection (1) holds office for a period of 9 consecutive years the person is not eligible for appointment as a member of the board until the expiration of 12 months from the end of the year in which he or she was last a member of the board. (4) Where the term of office of a person appointed under this section expires, he or she may continue to be a member of the board until re-appointed or replaced. (5) The board shall pay the expenses of a person appointed to the board under this section in accordance with guidelines established by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. (6) A person appointed under subsection (1) may be removed from office by the minister before the expiration of his or her term of office and no compensation shall be paid to him or her other than an amount owing under subsection (5). (7) A person appointed under subsection (1) may resign from the board by written notice to the minister. 2005 cD-25.1 s5 Back to Top Meetings of the board 6. (1) A quorum of the board is 4 members, one of whom is an appointed member. (2) Except where prohibited in the by-laws, a member of the board may, where all the members consent, participate in a meeting of the board by means of the telephone or other telecommunication device that permits all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other. (3) Where a quorum under subsection (1) exists, a majority of that number is sufficient to make a decision, and in the event of a tie the chairperson of the meeting shall cast the deciding vote. (4) In the absence of the chairperson, the members of the board in attendance at a meeting may appoint another member to chair that meeting. (5) The board shall hold an annual general meeting, to which all licensed dispensing opticians shall be invited, to elect the members of the board. (6) At the annual general meeting the board shall appoint an auditor to audit the accounts of the board and report on the financial statement prepared by the board. (7) The board may in its by-laws provide for voting at a meeting of the board or in an election of members by mail or electronic means. 2005 cD-25.1 s6 Back to Top Fees 7. (1) In prescribing the fees payable under this Act, the board shall, so far as it is practicable, ensure that the amount of fees is sufficient to enable it to discharge its duties under this Act. (2) All money received by the board shall be applied by it to its duties under this Act. 2005 cD-25.1 s7 Back to Top By-laws 8. (1) The board may make by-laws not inconsistent with this Act respecting (a) the holding and procedure of its meetings; (b) the appointment of committees and the duties and responsibilities of those committees; (c) the election of members of the board under subsection 4 (2) and setting the terms of office; (d) the payment of travel and other expenses of elected members of the board; (e) the employment and remuneration of staff and consultants; (f) a code of ethics which may include (i) a definition of "professional misconduct" and "conduct unbecoming" for the purposes of sections 12 to 28 , (ii) provisions respecting conflict of interest, and (iii) rules respecting methods of advertising; (g) the remuneration and payment of travel expenses of members of adjudication tribunals; (h) the participation of members at a meeting of the board by telephone or other telecommunications device under section 6 ; and (i) voting by dispensing opticians by mail or electronic means. (2) A by-law may be made, amended or repealed at a meeting of the board provided that 30 days notice, in writing, of the making, amendment or repeal of the by-law and of the meeting are given to members of the board. (3) The board shall have its by-laws available for inspection by the public on reasonable notice and at reasonable hours. (4) The by-laws of the Dispensing Opticians Board in operation at the coming into force of this Act shall be the by-laws governing the board until revoked or amended by the board in accordance with this section. 2005 cD-25.1 s8 Back to Top Annual report 9. (1) The board shall prepare and submit to the minister before July 1, (a) a report on the activities of the board; and (b) the board's audited financial statements. (2) The minister shall publish the annual report on the Health and Community Services website. (3) Where the board has a website, the board shall publish the annual report on its website in a manner that the annual report may be accessed by a member of the public. (4) Where the board fails to comply with subsection (1) or (3), the board is guilty of an offence and is liable upon summary conviction to a fine of $1,000. 2012 c35 s6 Back to Top Licence 10. (1) A person may apply to the registrar in the form set by the board to be licensed as a dispensing optician where he or she (a) has (i) successfully completed a course in optical dispensing recognized by the board and has received practical training in optical dispensing from a dispensing optician or optometrist for a period of at least one year, (ii) successfully completed at least 3 years training in optical dispensing under the direct supervision of a dispensing optician or optometrist, and has completed a study course in optical dispensing recognized by the board, or (iii) another combination of practical experience and training in optical dispensing that is satisfactory to the board; and (b) meets the other requirements prescribed by regulation. (2) The registrar shall issue a licence to a person who applies under subsection (1) and enter his or her name on the register and may renew a licence of a dispensing optician where the applicant or dispensing optician (a) pays the licensing fee set by the board; (b) proves that he or she has obtained professional liability insurance coverage in a form and amount satisfactory to the board; (c) establishes that he or she is not suspended or restricted from working as a dispensing optician by a board or equivalent body governing dispensing opticians in a jurisdiction outside the province; and (d) pays outstanding fines, penalties or fees, which are owed to the board. (3) The board may approve the issuance of temporary licences, without examination, to persons for the purpose of providing the services of dispensing opticians to under-serviced areas of the province. 2005 cD-25.1 s10 Back to Top Duties of registrar 11. (1) The registrar shall maintain a register of dispensing opticians in which he or she shall enter the names of all persons licensed to practise as dispensing opticians in the province and other information the board may require. (2) The registrar shall maintain a register of dispensing opticians in training in which he or she shall enter the names and other information the board may require of all persons in training to become dispensing opticians. (3) The registrar shall make the registers of the board available for inspection by the public on reasonable notice and at reasonable hours. (4) The registrar shall perform the duties of the registrar in respect of discipline under sections 12 to 28 . 2005 cD-25.1 s11 Back to Top Definitions 12. (1) In this section and sections 13 to 28 , (a) "allegation" means a written document alleging that a person has engaged in conduct deserving of sanction; (b) "complainant" means a person making an allegation described in section 14 ; (c) "conduct deserving of sanction" includes (i) professional misconduct, (ii) professional incompetence, (iii) conduct unbecoming a dispensing optician, and (iv) acting in breach of this Act, the regulations, or a code of ethics made under section 8 ; (d) "costs incurred by the board" includes (i) out of pocket expenses incurred by or on behalf of the board, (ii) amounts paid by the board to adjudication tribunal members as remuneration and for expenses, and (iii) the actual cost of legal counsel for the board and the adjudication tribunal; (e) "disciplinary panel" means the panel of persons appointed under section 13 from which the members of an adjudication tribunal are chosen; and (f) "respondent" means a dispensing optician or a former dispensing optician against whom an allegation is made. 2005 cD-25.1 s12 Back to Top Committees 13. (1) The board shall appoint at least 3 of its members, at least one of whom was appointed by the minister to represent the public interest, to constitute a complaints authorization committee. (2) The board shall appoint the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the complaints authorization committee from the persons appointed under subsection (1). (3) The registrar is not eligible to be a member of the complaints authorization committee. (4) The board shall appoint at least 5 dispensing opticians who are not members of the board, one of whom shall be appointed to serve as chairperson, and the minister shall appoint at least 2 persons, who are not dispensing opticians, to represent the public interest, who shall together constitute a disciplinary panel. (5) Of the members first appointed to the disciplinary panel, one half shall be appointed for a term of 2 years and the remainder for a term of 3 years and all subsequent appointments of members to the disciplinary panel shall be for a term of 3 years. (6) Notwithstanding the expiry of his or her term, a member of the disciplinary panel may continue to be a member until he or she is re-appointed or his or her replacement is appointed. (7) Persons appointed to the disciplinary panel may be reappointed. (8) Members of the disciplinary panel shall serve on the panel without payment for their services, but may be remunerated for services as a member of an adjudication tribunal and paid their travel and other expenses associated with the work of that tribunal by the board, in accordance with and at the rates set by the by-laws. (9) The complaints authorization committee and an adjudication tribunal appointed under section 17 and a person appointed by either of them may summon a respondent or other person and require the respondent or other person to give evidence, orally or in writing, upon oath or affirmation, and produce the documents and things that either of them considers necessary to the full investigation and hearing of an allegation or complaint and shall have the powers, privileges and immunities that are conferred on a commissioner appointed under the Public Inquiries Act. 2005 cD-25.1 s13 Back to Top Allegation 14. (1) An allegation shall be in writing and signed by the complainant or his or her solicitor, and filed with the registrar. (2) The registrar may on his or her own motion make an allegation and file it, and the allegation shall have the same effect as an allegation referred to in subsection (1). (3) Where the registrar has been informed that a respondent has been convicted of an offence under the provisions of the Criminal Code or a similar penal statute of another country or has been suspended by a governing body of dispensing opticians in another province or territory of Canada or another territory or country for reason of professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming a dispensing optician or professional incompetence, the information shall be dealt with by the registrar as an allegation. (4) For the purpose of subsection (3), a certified copy of the record of a conviction or findings made or the action taken by an external regulatory body constitutes proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, of the conviction or findings made or the action taken by that body, without proof of the signature of the convicting justice or person purporting to have signed on behalf of that body. 2005 cD-25.1 s14 Back to Top Effect of filing allegation 15. (1) Where it appears to the registrar after notifying the respondent of the allegation that the allegation may be resolved satisfactorily and where the complainant and the respondent consent, the registrar may attempt to resolve the matter. (2) Where the allegation is not satisfactorily resolved by the registrar under subsection (1), the registrar shall refer the allegation and all other allegations to the complaints authorization committee. (3) The registrar shall inform a complainant and a respondent of the referral of the allegation to the complaints authorization committee. 2005 cD-25.1 s15 Back to Top Complaints authorization committee 16. (1) After an allegation has been submitted to the complaints authorization committee, the committee may exercise one or more of the following powers: (a) refer the allegation back to the registrar for an investigation or alternative dispute resolution in accordance with the regulations; (b) conduct an investigation itself or appoint a person to conduct an investigation on its behalf; and (c) require the respondent to appear before it. (2) Where the complaints authorization committee is of the opinion there are no reasonable grounds to believe the respondent has engaged in conduct deserving of sanction, the committee shall dismiss the allegation and give notice in writing of the dismissal to the complainant. (3) Where the complaints authorization committee is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a respondent has engaged in conduct deserving of sanction, the allegation shall be considered as constituting a complaint, and the committee may (a) counsel or caution the respondent; or (b) instruct the registrar to file the complaint against the respondent and refer it to the disciplinary panel; and (c) recommend to the board that (i) the respondent’s licence be suspended or restricted, or (ii) the registrar conduct an investigation of the respondent’s practice, and where the board approves an investigation the registrar shall conduct it, at any time before a final determination by the adjudication tribunal. (4) A person conducting an investigation under paragraph (1)(a), (b) or subparagraph (3)(c)(ii) may require (a) the respondent to (i) undergo an examination he or she considers necessary and as arranged by the registrar, and (ii) permit the registrar or a member of the complaints authorization committee or a person appointed by the complaints authorization committee to inspect and copy the records of the respondent and other documents relating to the subject matter of the investigation; and (b) another person to permit the registrar or a member of the complaints authorization committee or a person appointed by the complaints authorization committee to inspect and copy records and other documents relating to the subject matter of the investigation held by that person, and the respondent or other person shall comply. (5) An action for damages does not lie against a dispensing optician or another person to whom a request is made solely because he or she provides information requested of him or her under subsection (4). (6) Where the registrar, a member of the complaints authorization committee or a person appointed by the complaints authorization committee requires that a respondent or another person provide information under subsection (4), that information shall be provided within 7 days of receipt of the request or a different period as specified. (7) Where the complaints authorization committee recommends to the board that a respondent’s practice be suspended, restricted or investigated under paragraph (3)(c), the board may (a) decide not to act on the recommendation; or (b) suspend, restrict or investigate the respondent’s practice. (8) A complainant whose allegation is dismissed by the complaints authorization committee under subsection (2) may within 30 days after receiving notice of the dismissal appeal the dismissal to the Trial Division by filing a notice of appeal with the court. (9) Subsections (4), (5) and (6) apply to the Crown. 2005 cD-25.1 s16 ; 2013 c16 s25 Back to Top Adjudication tribunal 17. (1) For the purpose of dealing with complaints referred to the disciplinary panel, the chairperson of the disciplinary panel shall appoint from it an adjudication tribunal consisting of 3 persons, of whom 2 shall be dispensing opticians and one shall be a member of the panel appointed to represent the public interest. (2) The chairperson of the disciplinary panel shall appoint one of the dispensing opticians on an adjudication tribunal to be the chairperson. 2005 cD-25.1 s17 Back to Top Hearing 18. (1) Where a complaint has been referred under paragraph 16 (3)(b), an adjudication tribunal shall hear the complaint. (2) The parties to a hearing are the board and the respondent and a party may be represented by his or her counsel at a hearing. (3) A hearing shall be conducted in public but an adjudication tribunal may exclude the public from a hearing, or from part of it, where it considers the desirability of protecting a party to the complaint or another person against the consequences of possible disclosure of personal matters outweighs the desirability of holding the hearing in public. 2005 cD-25.1 s18 Back to Top Copies of books, etc. as evidence 19. A copy or extract of a book, record, document or thing certified by (a) a member of the complaints authorization committee; or (b) a person authorized under subsection 16 (4) to conduct an inspection, who made the copy or extract under subsection 16 (4) is admissible in evidence in an action, proceeding or prosecution, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, as evidence of the original book, record, document or thing and its contents. 2005 cD-25.1 s19 Back to Top Guilty plea by respondent 20. (1) Where a respondent pleads guilty to one or more of the charges set out in a complaint, the adjudication tribunal shall, without calling evidence or hearing witnesses, unless the tribunal believes it is appropriate to do so, hear submissions from the parties. (2) Where a respondent pleads guilty, and following submissions under subsection (1), the adjudication tribunal may (a) reprimand the respondent; (b) order that the respondent be suspended for a fixed period that it considers appropriate, until conditions which it may impose are fulfilled, or until further order of the adjudication tribunal; (c) allow or direct the respondent to surrender his or her licence to the board upon those conditions that may be considered appropriate and strike the respondent’s name from the register; (d) impose a fine not to exceed $10,000 to be paid to the board; (e) order that the respondent pay the costs or a part of the costs incurred by the board in the investigation and hearing of the complaint; (f) order that the registrar publish a summary of the decision including the information set out in subsection 22 (7) and other information that the tribunal may specify; and (g) order that the respondent comply with one or more of the following: (i) make restitution to the complainant or other person affected by the conduct of the respondent, (ii) obtain medical treatment, (iii) obtain counselling, (iv) obtain substance abuse counselling or treatment, until the respondent can demonstrate to the board or other body or person designated by the adjudication tribunal that a condition related to substance abuse rendering the respondent incapable or unfit to practise has been overcome, (v) engage in continuing education programs, (vi) complete a course of studies or obtain supervised clinical experience, or both, to the satisfaction of the board or another body or person designated by the adjudication tribunal, (vii) report on his or her compliance with an order made under this section and authorize others involved with his or her treatment or supervision to report on it, (viii) restrict his or her professional practice or continue his or her practice under specified conditions, (ix) permit periodic inspection of his or her practice, (x) permit periodic inspection of records relating to his or her practice, or (xi) impose other requirements that are just and reasonable in the circumstances. (3) The costs incurred by the board to ensure the compliance of a respondent with an order or direction of an adjudication tribunal under this section shall be borne by the respondent. 2005 cD-25.1 s20 ; 2022 c6 s14 Back to Top Powers of adjudication tribunal 21. (1) Upon the hearing of a complaint, an adjudication tribunal shall decide whether or not a respondent is guilty of conduct deserving of sanction. (2) Where an adjudication tribunal decides that a respondent is not guilty, it shall dismiss the complaint and may, where it believes that the submission of the complaint to the tribunal for a hearing was unreasonable, (a) order that those costs that the tribunal considers appropriate be paid by the board to the respondent; and (b) make another order that it considers appropriate. (3) Where an adjudication tribunal decides that a respondent is guilty, it may (a) reprimand the respondent; (b) order that the respondent be suspended for a fixed period that it considers appropriate, until conditions which it may impose are fulfilled, or until further order of the adjudication tribunal; (c) allow or direct the respondent to surrender his or her licence to the board upon those conditions that may be considered appropriate and strike the respondent’s name from the register; (d) impose a fine not to exceed $10,000 to be paid to the board; (e) order that the respondent pay the costs or a part of the costs incurred by the board in the investigation or hearing of the complaint; (f) order that the registrar publish a summary of the decision including the information set out in subsection 22 (7) and other information that the tribunal may specify; and (g) order that the respondent comply with one or more of the following: (i) make restitution to the complainant or other person affected by the conduct of the respondent, (ii) obtain medical treatment, (iii) obtain counselling, (iv) obtain substance abuse counselling or treatment, until the respondent can demonstrate to the board or other body or person designated by the adjudication tribunal that a condition related to substance abuse rendering the respondent incapable or unfit to practise has been overcome, (v) engage in continuing education programs, (vi) complete a course of studies or obtain supervised clinical experience, or both, to the satisfaction of the board or other body or person designated by the adjudication tribunal, (vii) report on his or her compliance with an order made under this section and authorize others involved with his or her treatment or supervision to report on it, (viii) restrict his or her professional practice or continue his or her practice under specified conditions, (ix) permit periodic inspection of his or her practice, (x) permit periodic inspection of records relating to his or her practice, or (xi) impose other requirements that are just and reasonable in the circumstances. (4) The costs incurred by the board to ensure the compliance of a respondent with an order or direction of an adjudication tribunal under this section shall be borne by the respondent. 2005 cD-25.1 s21 ; 2022 c6 s15 Back to Top Filing and publication of decisions 22. (1) An adjudication tribunal shall file a decision or order made under subsection 20(2) or 21(3) with the registrar and provide a copy to the complainant, the respondent and the respondent's employer. (2) The registrar shall maintain a copy of a decision or order filed under subsection (1) for a minimum of 10 years after the day the decision or order is filed and shall upon receiving a request to view the disciplinary records in relation to a respondent permit a person to view the summary prepared in accordance with subsection (7). (3) The registrar shall publish a summary of a decision or order of an adjudication tribunal within 14 days of the expiry of the appeal period provided in section 28, where the decision or order (a) suspends the respondent; (b) allows or directs the surrender of the respondent's licence; (c) restricts the respondent’s practice; (d) specifies conditions for the continuing practice of the respondent; or (e) requires that a summary of the decision or order be published. (4) Where the registrar is required to publish a summary of a decision or order under subsection (3), the registrar shall (a) publish the summary of the decision or order on the board's website; or (b) where the board does not have a website, provide the summary or order to the Department of Health and Community Services for publication on its website. (5) Where the registrar publishes a summary of a decision or order in accordance with subsection (4), the registrar shall (a) advise at least 2 media in or nearest to the community in which the respondent practises that a summary of the decision or order has been published; and (b) arrange that a summary of the decision or order be kept on the website (i) for a period of not less than 3 months, or (ii) where one or more of the following apply, for a period not less than the period referred to in clause (A), (B) or (C), as applicable: (A) where the respondent is suspended for a period greater than 3 months, the period of suspension, (B) where the respondent’s practice is restricted for a period greater than 3 months, the period of restriction, or (C) where conditions are imposed for the continuing practice of the respondent for a period greater than 3 months, the period during which conditions are imposed. (6) Where the registrar publishes a summary of a decision or order in accordance with subsection (4), the registrar may also publish a summary of the decision or order in the board’s annual report or another publication approved by the board. (7) Unless a court orders otherwise, the summary of the decision or order published under this section shall include (a) the name of the respondent and the address where the respondent practises; (b) the date, location and a brief description of the conduct of the respondent that was found to be deserving of sanction; (c) the name of the complainant, where requested by the complainant; (d) the contents of the decision or order in relation to the actions referenced in paragraphs (3)(a) to (d); and (e) other information specified for publication in the decision or order. (8) Where a decision or order, the summary of which is published under this section, is varied or set aside, the registrar shall within 14 days of the filing of the subsequent decision or order publish a summary of the decision or order and subsections (3) to (7) apply, with the necessary changes. (9) The registrar may give notice of the decision or order and information respecting the decision or order to the other persons the board may direct and shall include a summary of the decision or order in a certificate of good standing issued in relation to the respondent. (10) Nothing in this section prohibits the registrar from publishing a decision or order of an adjudication tribunal, including publishing it in a database or repository for adjudication decisions approved by the minister, provided that the name and any identifying information of the complainant or witnesses is not published unless the complainant or witness requests that it be published. 2005 cD-25.1 s22 ; 2014 c7 s6 ; 2022 c6 s16 Back to Top De-registration and suspension 23. (1) Where a respondent is struck off the register, his or her rights and privileges as a dispensing optician cease. (2) Where a respondent is suspended, his or her rights and privileges as a dispensing optician cease for the period of suspension. (3) Where conditions or restrictions have been imposed upon a respondent’s ability to carry on his or her practice, his or her rights and privileges as a dispensing optician shall be limited to the extent specified by the conditions or restrictions. 2005 cD-25.1 s23 Back to Top Failure to comply 24. (1) On application by the board to the disciplinary panel, an adjudication tribunal may make an order suspending the rights and privileges of a respondent where it determines that the respondent has failed to comply with a decision or an order under sections 12 to 28 . (2) The parties to the application are the board and the respondent. (3) An order of an adjudication tribunal under this section may suspend the rights and privileges of the respondent for a fixed period that the adjudication tribunal may consider appropriate, or until conditions which it may impose are fulfilled, or until further order of the adjudication tribunal. 2005 cD-25.1 s24 Back to Top Reinstatement and readmission 25. (1) Where, in a decision or order, an adjudication tribunal (a) suspends the respondent; (b) allows or directs the respondent to surrender his or her licence; (c) restricts the respondent’s practice; or (d) specifies conditions for the continuing practice of the respondent, and where the respondent alleges that new evidence has become available or a material change in circumstances has occurred since the making of the decision or order, the respondent may apply to the complaints authorization committee for a supplementary hearing to discharge or vary the decision or order based on the new evidence or material change in circumstances. (2) An application under subsection (1) shall be made not more than 90 days after the new evidence becomes available or the material change in circumstances has occurred. (3) Where an application is made to the complaints authorization committee under subsection (1), and the committee is of the opinion that new evidence has become available or that a material change in circumstances has occurred, as alleged by a respondent, the matter shall be referred to an adjudication tribunal as if it were a matter referred under paragraph 16 (3)(b) and sections 18 to 23 apply, with the necessary changes, to the referred matter. (4) The parties to a supplementary hearing under this section are the respondent and the board. (5) For the purpose of this section, in addition to an order that an adjudication tribunal may make under section 21 , a tribunal may (a) vary the original decision or order made under section 21 ; or (b) discharge the original decision or order, with or without conditions. 2005 cD-25.1 s25 Back to Top Costs of the board 26. (1) Where a person who was ordered to pay the costs of the board under paragraph 20 (2)(e) or 21(3)(e) fails to pay in the time required, the board may suspend the registration of that person until the costs are paid. (2) Costs ordered to be paid under paragraph 20 (2)(e) or 21(3)(e) are a debt due to the board and may be recovered by the board by a civil action. 2005 cD-25.1 s26 Back to Top Collection of fine 27. (1) Where an order is made under section 20 or 21 imposing a fine on a respondent, the board may issue a certificate stating the amount of the fine due and remaining unpaid and the name of the person by whom it is payable, and file the certificate with the Trial Division. (2) Where a certificate is filed with the Trial Division under subsection (1), it has the same effect and all proceedings may be taken on the certificate as if it were a judgment of the Trial Division for the recovery of the amount stated in the certificate against the person named in the certificate. (3) A person named in a certificate filed under this section may, within 30 days after the certificate is filed, apply to a judge of the Trial Division for a review, on a question of law or jurisdiction, of the certificate. (4) On an application under subsection (3), the judge may make an amendment to the certificate that is necessary to make the certificate accord with the judge’s decision. (5) There is no appeal from a decision of a judge made under this section. (6) A certificate filed under this section may also be filed in the judgment enforcement registry on the expiration of the 30 day period referred to in subsection (3) in accordance with Part III of the Judgment Enforcement Act and be enforced in accordance with that Act. 2005 cD-25.1 s27 ; 2013 c16 s25 Back to Top Appeal to Trial Division 28. (1) The board or the respondent may, within 30 days after receiving notice of a decision or order of an adjudication tribunal under this Act, appeal the decision or order to the Trial Division by filing a notice of appeal with the court. (2) An appeal under this section does not stay the decision or order being appealed unless the Trial Division orders otherwise. 2005 cD-25.1 s28 ; 2013 c16 s25 Back to Top Protection from liability 29. An action for damages does not lie against the registrar, an officer or employee of the board, a member of a disciplinary panel, adjudication tribunal or the individual members of those bodies, a person appointed by the complaints authorization committee to conduct an investigation, another agent of the board or the board as a corporation for an act or failure to act or a proceeding initiated or carried out in good faith under this Act, or for carrying out duties or obligations authorized under this Act or for a decision or order made or enforced in good faith under this Act. 2005 cD-25.1 s29 Back to Top Regulations 30. (1) The board may, subject to the approval of the minister, make regulations (a) providing for the examination of persons who wish to become dispensing opticians and prescribing the content and conduct of that examination; (b) providing for the issuance and renewal of a licence or temporary licence to act as a dispensing optician; (c) prescribing the courses in optical dispensing recognized by the board; (d) providing for the certification of dispensing opticians qualified to dispense contact lenses; (e) respecting alternative dispute resolution for the purposes of sections 12 to 28 and the procedure for that resolution; and (f) prescribing time limits for events in the disciplinary process in sections 12 to 28 , including time limits for: (i) the filing of an allegation, (ii) the resolution of an allegation by the registrar, (iii) the conduct of an investigation under section 16 , (iv) consideration of an allegation by the complaints authorization committee following completion of an investigation, (v) responding to a complainant and respondent at each stage of the process, (vi) the conduct of a practice investigation under subparagraph 16 (3)(c)(ii), (vii) the appointment of an adjudication tribunal under section 17 , (viii) the conduct of a hearing and the filing of a decision or order by an adjudication tribunal following completion of the hearing, and (ix) generally to give effect to the purpose of this Act. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the minister may make regulations to prescribe time limits for events in the disciplinary process under sections 12 to 28 where the board does not do so in a time period the minister considers reasonable. 2005 cD-25.1 s30 Back to Top Fees and forms 31. The board may set fees and prescribe forms for the purpose of this Act. 2005 cD-25.1 s31 Back to Top Prescription necessary 32. (1) An optical appliance shall only be supplied by a dispensing optician upon and in accordance with a prescription of a licensed medical practitioner or registered optometrist. (2) A duplication of an optical appliance may be dispensed by a dispensing optician without a further prescription by a medical practitioner or optometrist. 2005 cD-25.1 s32 Back to Top Contact lenses 33. (1) Contact lenses shall only be fitted by a dispensing optician who holds a certificate from the board authorizing him or her to do so. (2) Notwithstanding subsection 32(1), a dispensing optician who holds a certificate from the board authorizing him or her to fit contact lenses may convert a prescription for the purposes of fitting, dispensing or supplying contact lenses. 2014 c17 s1 Back to Top Offence 34. A person shall not engage in optical dispensing unless he or she is licensed as a dispensing optician under this Act or employs a dispensing optician licensed under this Act who is in full-time supervision of the optical dispensing portion of that person's business. 2005 cD-25.1 s34 Back to Top Penalty 35. A person who contravenes this Act is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000. 2005 cD-25.1 s35 Back to Top Effect of the Optometry Act, 2012 36. The Optometry Act, 2012 does not apply to a dispensing optician licensed under this Act who practises optical dispensing within the meaning of this Act. 2012 cO-7.02 s60 Back to Top Transition 37. (1) The members of the Dispensing Opticians Board on the day before this Act comes into force are continued as members of the board until an election is held under section 6. (2) An election to elect the 5 members of the board referred to in paragraph 4(2)(a) shall be held within 12 months after the day this Act comes into force. (3) The minister shall make appointments under section 5 within 30 days of the election held under subsection (2). (4) Of the members of the board first elected under section 6, (a) 3 shall be elected for a term of 3 years; and (b) 2 shall be elected for a term of 2 years. 2005 cD-25.1 s37 Back to Top RSNL1990 cD-25 Rep. 38. The Dispensing Opticians Act is repealed. 2005 cD-25.1 s38