<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 10.28.09.03" title_num="10" subtitle_num="28" chapter_num="09" heading="Advertising.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An optometrist may advertise the optometrist's services subject to the provisions of this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>An advertisement may not contain statements:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Containing misrepresentation of facts;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Likely to mislead or deceive because in context the statements make only a partial disclosure of relevant facts;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Intended to or likely to create false or unjustified expectations of favorable results;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Relating to fees without reasonable disclosure of all relevant variables so that the statement would not be misunderstood or be deceptive to a layman;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Conveying the impression that the optometrist could influence improperly any public body, official, corporation, or any person on behalf of a patient;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Containing representations or implications that in reasonable probability can be expected to cause an ordinarily prudent person to misunderstand or be deceived;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Containing representations that the optometrist is willing to perform any procedure which is illegal under the laws or regulations of Maryland or the United States;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>That fail to state that the practitioner is an optometrist.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>An optometrist shall also be accountable under this regulation if the optometrist uses an agent, partnership, professional association, or health maintenance organization to implement actions prohibited by this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>