How might the board respond if a complaint is submitted after 4 years?

The board may choose not to act on a complaint submitted after four years because most regulatory bodies, including those overseeing optometry, have specific time limits for filing complaints known as statutes of limitations. These limits are in place to ensure that complaints are dealt with in a timely manner, allowing for effective investigation and resolution when evidence is still available.

In many jurisdictions, if a complaint is filed beyond this established window, the board typically lacks the authority or obligation to pursue it. This principle serves to protect practitioners from facing allegations based on events that happened a long time ago, where memories may be faded and evidence may be difficult to obtain. Thus, the board may view such delayed complaints as less credible or actionable due to these practical concerns.