What must an OD maintain to practice at a health facility or residential care facility?

To practice at a health facility or residential care facility, an optometrist (OD) is required to maintain a primary office separate from the facility. This requirement ensures that the OD has a dedicated space for comprehensive patient care, is available for follow-up visits, and can maintain proper records and equipment. Having a separate primary office also allows the OD to establish a consistent and stable practice environment, which is crucial for effective patient management and continuity of care.

This structure not only ensures compliance with state regulations but also provides patients with a location where they can receive care outside of the specific health or residential facility context, further enhancing accessibility to necessary eye care services. The other options, such as having a mobile practice office, only an online presence, or a referral system with local hospitals, do not fulfill the regulatory requirement for a primary office, which is fundamental for providing consistent and quality optometric care.