Effective 28 Aug 2016

191.1146. Physician-patient relationship required, how established. — 1. Physicians licensed under chapter 334 who use telemedicine shall ensure that a properly established physician-patient relationship exists with the person who receives the telemedicine services. The physician-patient relationship may be established by:

(1) An in-person encounter through a medical interview and physical examination;

(2) Consultation with another physician, or that physician's delegate, who has an established relationship with the patient and an agreement with the physician to participate in the patient's care; or

(3) A telemedicine encounter, if the standard of care does not require an in-person encounter, and in accordance with evidence-based standards of practice and telemedicine practice guidelines that address the clinical and technological aspects of telemedicine.

2. In order to establish a physician-patient relationship through telemedicine:

(1) The technology utilized shall be sufficient to establish an informed diagnosis as though the medical interview and physical examination has been performed in person; and

(2) Prior to providing treatment, including issuing prescriptions, a physician who uses telemedicine shall interview the patient, collect or review relevant medical history, and perform an examination sufficient for the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. A questionnaire completed by the patient, whether via the internet or telephone, does not constitute an acceptable medical interview and examination for the provision of treatment by telehealth.

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(L. 2016 S.B. 579)