The Federation of State Medical Boards is considering a proposed telemedicine policy that would require physicians to be licensed in the patient's state in order to deliver care remotely.
The requirement is based on a belief that "the practice of medicine occurs where the patient is located," and therefore physicians who treat patients or prescribe medicine remotely "must possess appropriate licensure in all jurisdictions where patients receive care," according to the proposed policy.
The question of licensure requirements for telemedicine physicians has been raised elsewhere. The Telemedicine for Medicare Act, introduced late last year into the U.S. House of Representatives, would allow providers to deliver telemedicine services across state lines without acquiring additional licensure. However, medical groups are often opposed to allowing physicians to practice out of state remotely. The Florida Medical Association continues to lobby the state legislature to include an in-state licensing requirement in the final version of a pending telemedicine bill.
The FSMB is scheduled to vote on the policy next month.
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