What is a violation of ANSI standards considered?

A violation of ANSI standards is considered a misdemeanor because it typically pertains to violations of specific regulations or codes that govern professional practices. In the context of optometry, adherence to ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards ensures safe and effective eye care practices. When these standards are not followed, it may not escalate to the level of a felony, which generally involves more serious crimes, but it is still a significant enough infraction to warrant a misdemeanor classification. This designation implies that while the violation may not be as severe as a felony, it still represents an important breach of professional standards that could potentially affect patient safety or care quality. Misconduct, while relevant, does not specifically denote the legal implications tied to the violation of recognized standards and may encompass a broader range of actions.