By what date must any health plan that employed ODs prove they no longer employ an OD?

The correct answer is January 1, 2019, because this date marks the deadline established by California law for health plans that previously employed optometrists (ODs) to demonstrate that they have ceased such employment. This regulation was put in place to ensure that ODs are recognized as independent practitioners and to reinforce that they operate their own practices without being employed by health plans that might create conflicts of interest or limit patient care options.

This law helps maintain the integrity of optometry as a profession, allowing ODs to provide care independently and ensuring that patients have access to unbiased treatment options. The specified deadline plays a crucial role in the transition towards safeguarding patient interests and clarifying the professional relationships between optometrists and health plans, thus aligning with regulatory requirements to promote patient autonomy in healthcare decisions.