A. Subject to the provisions of the Optometry Act, optometrists qualified and certified by the board may prescribe or administer all pharmaceutical agents for the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the eye or adnexa; provided that an optometrist:

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(1)     may prescribe hydrocodone and hydrocodone combination medications; (2)     may administer epinephrine auto-injections to counter anaphylaxis; and

(3)     shall not prescribe any other controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II pursuant to the Controlled Substances Act [N.M. Stat. Ann. Chapter 30, Article 31].

B. The board shall issue certification for the use of pharmaceutical agents as set forth in Subsection A of this section to optometrists currently licensed by the board. To be certified, an optometrist shall submit to the board proof of having satisfactorily completed a course in pharmacology as applied to optometry, with particular emphasis on the administration of pharmaceutical agents for the purpose of examination of the human eye, and analysis of ocular functions and treatment of visual defects or abnormal conditions of the human eye and its adnexa. The course shall constitute a minimum of twenty hours of instruction in clinical pharmacology, including systemic pharmacology as applied to optometry, and shall be taught by an accredited institution approved by the board.

C. Applicants for licensure shall meet the requirements for certification in the use of pharmaceutical agents as set forth in the Optometry Act and shall successfully complete the board’s examination in pharmaceutical agents prior to licensure.

D. The certification authorized by this section shall be displayed in a conspicuous place in the optometrist’s principal office or place of business.