The Georgia Composite Medical Board has recently passed a rule that would require a clinician to have examined a patient in-person before providing telemedicine services.
According to the rule, a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse must have "personally seen and examined the patient and provide ongoing or intermittent care by electronic or other means."
The rule offers several exceptions, including if the telemedicine consult is being performed at the direct request of a clinician who has personally examined or treated the patient, or if the remote consult is requested by a school nurse or the state's child protection agency.
Another exception to the in-person-first requirement is the use of advanced technologies and devices that allow for a consultation equal to or superior in quality than what can be done in-person.
In-person requirements for telemedicine exist in other states, including Texas and possibly soon Tennessee. However, some state governments seem to be moving in the other regulatory direction — states including Louisiana and Michigan have new laws that prohibit insurers from requiring in-person visits as a condition for telemedicine reimbursement.
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Telemedicine laws and developments: A state-by-state analysis
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