What constitutes 'unprofessional conduct' according to the Alabama Board?

Unprofessional conduct as defined by the Alabama Board includes actions that undermine the integrity of the optometric profession and violate legal or ethical standards. False advertising and failing to provide patient records are clear examples of unprofessional behavior. Misrepresenting services through false advertising can deceive patients and violate trust, while not providing patient records can obstruct patient care and violate legal obligations to maintain and share accurate medical documentation.

The essence of these actions lies in their potential to harm patients or the reputation of the profession. The Alabama Board emphasizes the importance of transparency, honesty, and accountability as foundational elements of professional practice.

In contrast, while providing excessive patient education or offering complimentary services could raise concerns about professional boundaries or financial propriety, they do not inherently constitute unprofessional conduct. Additionally, failure to participate in continuing education may indicate a lack of commitment to professional development but does not necessarily amount to unprofessional conduct in the same way as misleading advertising or withholding patient information.