Tennessee Optometry (OD) CE audits & penalties

What happens if a optometrist misses CE requirements in Tennessee, and how the board checks compliance — sourced from the official board.

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Practice must cease immediately upon license expiration. Administrative reinstatement is possible when expired fewer than 90 days; expired-license reinstatement requires all past-due renewal/regulatory fees, a $200 reinstatement fee, and CE for every expired year.Verify with board

How compliance is checked

40 hours of board-approved CE during the 24 months preceding the renewal month; licensees must retain proof of CE for 4 years from the end of the calendar year in which it was required and produce it within 30 days of a written board request. CPR certification required.

Official source: Tennessee Board of Optometry lapsed-license policy (2016); rules 1045-02-.01, .04, .05 (official, current August 2025 rule)

⚠️Don't learn this the hard way. Penalties are set by the board and can change — verify against the official source before relying on this summary.

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