The remote delivery of health care is an essential, yet complex, part of Alaska’s healthcare system. With the rise of telehealth, understanding the standards and regulations is crucial for providers, especially for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) looking to navigate this evolving landscape. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the key aspects of telehealth in Alaska.
Standards for Telehealth Delivery
Providers can deliver health care services via telehealth without an initial in-person exam if they hold an Alaska license. Here are the critical points to note:
- The provider must only provide services within their authorized scope of practice.
- Fees for telehealth services must be reasonable and consistent with ordinary fees for the same in-person service.
- There is no requirement to document the barrier to in-person health care delivery.
- There is no limitation to the physical setting from which telehealth may be delivered.
- Neither the patient nor the provider is required to use telehealth to deliver health care services.
Who Do These Standards Apply To?
The telehealth standards apply to various professionals, including:
- Alaska-licensed audiologists or speech-language pathologists
- Behavior analysts
- Chiropractors
- Professional counselors
- Dentists or dental hygienists
- Dietitians or nutritionists
- Naturopaths
- Marital and family therapists
- Physicians, podiatrists, osteopaths, or physician assistants
- Direct-entry midwives
- Nurses or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)
- Dispensing opticians
- Optometrists
- Pharmacists
- Physical therapists or occupational therapists
- Psychologists or psychological associates
- Social workers
- Physicians licensed in another state
Prescribing Controlled Substances via Telehealth
When an initial in-person exam is not required, the following providers can prescribe controlled substances via telehealth:
- Alaska-licensed physicians (including osteopaths and podiatrists) and physician assistants, complying with AS 08.64.364 and federal law.
- Alaska-licensed APRNs, complying with AS 08.68.710 and federal law.
Note: Prescription, dispensation, and administration of controlled substances may not be conducted via telehealth except by physicians (including osteopaths and podiatrists), physician assistants, or APRNs. Alaska-licensed dentists and optometrists may only prescribe a controlled substance via telehealth subsequent to an in-person exam.
Out-of-State Physicians and Telehealth
Physicians licensed in another state may practice telehealth without an Alaska license under certain conditions:
- The physician and patient have an established relationship and have previously conducted an in-person examination.
- The patient has a suspected or diagnosed life-threatening condition for which they have been referred by an Alaska-licensed physician to an out-of-state physician.
The State Medical Board has the authority to sanction unlicensed practice and recover costs related to investigations and hearings.
Special Cases: Vacationing Patients and Prescriptions
If your patient is vacationing in Alaska, you generally need an Alaska license to treat them remotely, except in specific cases outlined above. Alaska laws are based on where the patient receives service. Individual licensing boards may offer special courtesy licenses or consultation opportunities.
Alaska pharmacies may only fill prescriptions from non-Alaska licensed prescribers if the prescription is not a controlled substance. For controlled substances, the out-of-state pharmacy must be licensed in Alaska or have a Shared Pharmacy Services Agreement.
Telemedicine Business Registry
All businesses engaged in or planning to engage in the distance delivery of health care to patients in Alaska must register with the state’s Telemedicine Business Registry. Employees of a business do not need to register individually, but the employer does. "Telemedicine services" involve the transfer of medical data through audio, visual, or data communications between locations.
Alaska Business License Requirement
If your business wants to provide telemedicine services to Alaska-based clients, a valid Alaska business license is required before submitting the Telemedicine Business Registry application. The application must include your Alaska Business License number.
Still Have Questions?
For more information on the requirements of these licensed professions, please visit the specific program’s link at the DCCED/CBPL Professional Licensing website to review statutes, regulations, announcements, and more. Licensed providers with additional questions can contact the appropriate state licensing board through the Customer Contact Form on the DCCED/CBPL website.
New Telehealth Laws
HB 265, effective July 14, 2022, expands and clarifies telehealth capacity for healthcare providers and the prescription of controlled substances via telehealth. For more details, please refer to the new legislation as it may not yet be reflected in other online sources.
Insurance Coverage and Telehealth Billing
For questions regarding Medicaid, Medicare, and state employee and retiree coverage, please refer to the respective links or contact the individual insurance carrier for their specific rules and procedures regarding telehealth delivery.
For more information, please follow this link.
