Looking for the 32 hour PEP course agenda and registration? CLICK HERE
FAQ’s for November 2022 Primary Eyecare Procedures and HB 1302
This FAQ document will be updated and expanded as new information becomes available.
This post updated June 21, 2022
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Where can I read the bill?
CLICK HERE to download the PDF and read HB1302.
What is included in the bill?
HB 1302 includes oral steroids, pharmaceuticals to schedules 2-5, injectable authority, and other Primary Eyecare Procedures (PEP) including YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and removal of presumed non-cancerous lesions.
When did the law take effect?
July 1, 2021. However you must be certified by MSBO to use any additional procedures.
What is required by law to perform Primary Eyecare Procedures (PEP)?
32 hours of Primary Eyecare Procedures (PEP) training, a credentialing process which includes a written test and practical test administered by the State Board of Optometry, and an 8 hour PEP preceptorship.
Am I required to take the PEP course to continue practicing as I am now (no expanded procedures)?
No. You can continue to practice as you do right now without taking the PEP course.
Am I required to take the PEP course if I want to practice under the PEP – but do not want to use the YAG laser?
Yes. You are required to take the PEP course if you want to practice in any way that expands your current practice.
Am I required to take the PEP course if I want to expand orals and schedules 2 – 5 narcotics only?
Click here to view the Rules and Regulations published by MSBO effective July 1 2021.
When can we start prescribing the expanded medications and/or PEP procedures?
Click here to view the Rules and Regulations published by MSBO effective July 1 2021.
If I have taken a 32 hour PEP course in the past, but am not dual-licensed/do not practice with those procedures in another state, do I still have to take a new 32 hour PEP course?
The course must have been completed after May 1, 2021. If you have previously completed a PEP course prior to May 1 2021, you will need to complete a new 32 hour course.
If I graduated within five years of 2021 (2017 – 2021), am I required to take the full PEP course?
Yes. You must take the full PEP course.
If I graduated within five years of 2021 (2017 – 2021), do I have to complete the 8 hour preceptorship?
Yes.
If I graduated within five years of 2021 (2017 – 2021), do I have to credential/certify with MSBO?
Yes.
If I am already certified to do these procedures in another state, do I have to get re-certified to do them in Mississippi?
Click here to view the Rules and Regulations published by MSBO effective July 1 2021.
How often will I have to re-credential for the PEP procedures?
It will be lifetime credential subject to annual CE and education requirements.
What are the MSBO annual CE hour requirements for ODs who are PEP certified?
Click here to view the CE requirements for Mississippi ODs effective January 1 2022.
After I am PEP certified, can I refer to myself as an Optometric Physician?
No. That is not in the law.
What will injectable authority include?
Click here to view the Rules and Regulations published by MSBO effective July 1 2021. This includes the authorized CPT codes.
PEP COURSE QUESTIONS
Where do I take the 32 hours of PEP training?
The MOA is offering the 32 hour PEP course in November 2022, utilizing the Southern College of Optometry.
12 virtual – RECORDED hours (you may view & interact on your own time) will be available October 19 – November 2.
20 hours / three days of in-person instruction and wet labs are November 3 -5.
Other states also offer PEP courses as needed.
What is the PEP course cost?
Early registration for the PEP course is $1850 for members and $2600 for non-members. Early registration deadline is September 30. Late registration for the PEP course is $1975 for members and $2725 for non-members. Late registration deadline is October 21.
Is there an attendance limit for the PEP course?
Yes, we can only accommodate 40 ODs for the November course. Once the course is full registration will shut down.
Where do I register for the November 2022 PEP course?
CLICK HERE for AGENDA AND INFO plus REGISTRATION
What courses are included in the June 2022 PEP course?
CLICK HERE for AGENDA AND INFO plus REGISTRATION
Will there be a room block in Memphis for the November dates?
Yes. MOA has arranged a room block at the Crown Plaza Hotel Memphis from Nov. 3 – 5. A King or Double room on the block is $129/night plus taxes and fees. The self-parking rate on the MOA block is $10/night ($22/night outside the room block). CLICK HERE to book your room online.
What does Remote – Recorded mean and how do I access those courses?
Virtual – Recorded means the courses will be run through a virtual platform, and the instructors will not be lecturing in real time. These lectures will be pre-recorded. Because it is recorded you will be required to take a quiz for each course, and receive at least a 70% score on each quiz. Make sure your preferred location has a strong internet connection.
If I am unable to attend the in-person CE from November 3-5, can I still take the recorded CE hours?
No, at this time we are not splitting the courses. You must be able to attend the full course to register.
If I am unable to attend the recorded-virtual CE that is available from Oct. 19 – Nov. 2, can I still take the in-person hours Nov. 3-5?
No, at this time we are not splitting the courses. You must be able to attend the full course to register.
If I cannot attend the full course, will there be another opportunity?
This is the only planned PEP course for 2022. The MOA will monitor demand for PEP training after the November course is completed. Other states also offer PEP training courses.
Will the PEP course count toward our 20 hours of CE needed for the 2023 license renewal (submitted late 2022)?
Yes. The 32 hours of CE will count towards your Mississippi license renewal.
Will the PEP course offer COPE hours?
No. The PEP course will not be COPE hours.
If I sign up for the PEP course and choose the option to invoice me, will that reserve my spot on that date even if I pay later?
Yes. If you sign up and choose Invoice Me, that reserves your spot.
Do I have to pay in full before the course?
Yes. We require payment in full by October 31.
Is there a discount for payment by check?
Yes. You receive a $25 discount for payment by check.
Is there a way to access the recorded courses before October 19?
No. Recorded courses will be available October 19 – November 2.
What is the timeline for handouts, outlines, and course materials?
MOA will work with SCO on the access schedule and notify you.
PRECEPTORSHIP QUESTIONS
What is the 8 hour PEP preceptorship?
The law requires you to shadow a certified ophthalmologist or optometrist for eight hours as they complete primary eyecare procedures. The preceptorship must be completed in the state in which the preceptor is certified to complete the procedures.
How do I schedule a preceptorship?
You must first complete the 32 hour PEP course, and the MSBO credentialing exam. Once those steps are complete you have 90 days from the exam date to schedule and complete your preceptorship. MSBO has names of approved preceptors.
How do I find a preceptor?
You must first complete the 32 hour PEP CE course, and the MSBO credentialing exam. Once those steps are complete you have 90 days from the exam date to complete your preceptorship hours. MSBO has approved preceptor names.
CREDENTIALING QUESTIONS
Is there a cost for the credentialing/certification?
At the time of this post the charge for PEP credentialing is $750.
What and when is the credentialing/certification?
The next credentialing exams for MSBO are July 9 2022 and early January 2023.
