MERCANTILE ESTABLISHMENT; PROHIBITED ACTS

(a) This section applies to an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist who leases space from and practices optometry or therapeutic optometry on the premises of a mercantile establishment. (b) An optometrist or therapeutic optometrist may not: (1) conduct a phase of practice as a department or concession of a mercantile establishment; or (2) display a legend or sign stating "Optical Department," "Optometrical Department," or a similar message on the premises of a mercantile establishment or in advertising. (c) An optometrist or therapeutic optometrist may not permit the optometrist's or therapeutic optometrist's name or practice to be directly or indirectly used in connection with a mercantile establishment in any manner, including in advertising, displays, or signs. (d) The credit account of a patient of an optometrist or therapeutic optometrist must be with the optometrist or therapeutic optometrist and not with the credit department of the mercantile establishment. This subsection does not prevent the optometrist or therapeutic optometrist from subsequently selling, transferring, or assigning that account. (e) Section 351.363(a) applies to this section.