<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" citation="COMAR 10.28.13.06" title_num="10" subtitle_num="28" chapter_num="13" heading="Civil Fines.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>After a hearing under Health Occupations Article, §11–315, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 10.28.04, the Board may assess a civil fine not to exceed $50,000 against a person who:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Practices optometry without a license in violation of Health Occupations Article, §11–501, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Misrepresents to the public by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise that the person practices optometry in violation of Health Occupations Article, §11–502, Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Knowingly sells or dispenses contact lenses or replacement contact lenses without a valid and unexpired prescription or replacement contact lens prescription in violation of Health Occupations Article, §11–504, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>In determining whether to assess a fine and the amount of the fine, the Board shall consider the following factors:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The cost of investigating and prosecuting the case against the person;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The extent of actual or potential public harm caused by the violation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The extent to which the person derived a financial benefit from the violation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The history of a previous violation or violations;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The willfulness of the improper conduct; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Mitigating factors as presented by the person.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>