South Carolina § 40-24-20 - Valid prescription required to dispense spectacles or contact lenses; penalties.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-24-20 — Valid prescription required to dispense spectacles or contact lenses; penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-24-20. Valid prescription required to dispense spectacles or contact lenses; penalties.
(A) A person in this State may not dispense spectacles or contact lenses to a patient without a valid prescription from a provider.
(B) To be valid, a prescription must contain an expiration date on spectacles or contact lenses of one year from the date of examination by the provider or a statement of the reasons why a shorter time is appropriate based on the medical needs of the patient. The prescription must take into consideration medical findings made and refractive error discovered during the eye examination. If a provider determines a patient is a suitable candidate for a prescription for contact lenses or spectacles, a provider may not thereafter refuse to issue a prescription for spectacles or contact lenses to a patient.
(C) A prescription for spectacles or contact lenses may not be based solely on the refractive eye error of the human eye or be generated by a kiosk.
(D) Violation of this section constitutes misconduct as provided for in Sections 40-37-110 and 40-47-110. A provider who violates this section is subject to the penalties authorized in Chapter 37, Title 40 or Chapter 47, Title 40, as applicable.
HISTORY: 2016 Act No. 173 (S.1016), SECTION 1, eff May 19, 2016.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 40-24-20
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-24-20 cover?
Section 40-24-20 ("Valid prescription required to dispense spectacles or contact lenses; penalties.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 40-24-20?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-24-20" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 40-24-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.