Understanding State Policies
The survey conducted by the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) reveals that:- 37 states have telehealth policies for OT.
- 40 states have telehealth policies for PT.
- Most states have adopted these policies either through laws or regulations, but not both.
Key Areas of Focus
The study highlights several key policy areas:- Telehealth/Telemedicine/Telecommunications Definitions: Policies often use varying terminology, affecting implementation.
- Location-Type of Site/Geography: Few states impose geographic restrictions on telehealth services.
- Type of Service: Policies vary on the types of services that can be delivered via telehealth.
- Supervision: Many states allow supervision of therapist assistants via telehealth.
- Informed Consent: Requirements for informed consent are generally consistent with broader telehealth practices.
- Licensing: Adoption of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PTLC) facilitates cross-state practice.
- Patient-Provider Relationship: Some states require the establishment of a patient-provider relationship before telehealth services can be delivered.
Implications for Practice
Practitioners can draw several actionable insights from this study:- Stay Informed: Regularly check state policies as they can change and may impact how you deliver telehealth services.
- Embrace Flexibility: Use telehealth to reach underserved populations without geographic limitations.
- Ensure Compliance: Follow state-specific requirements for supervision, informed consent, and patient-provider relationships.
- Advocate for Change: Work with professional organizations to push for telehealth-friendly policies in states that lack them.
Future Directions
The study suggests that telehealth policies for OT and PT are evolving. As more states recognize the benefits of telehealth, practitioners should:- Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated on best practices and emerging technologies in telehealth.
- Participate in Policy Development: Get involved in advocacy efforts to shape future telehealth policies.
- Leverage Data: Use data to demonstrate the efficacy and efficiency of telehealth in your practice.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: State Occupational and Physical Therapy Telehealth Laws and Regulations: A 50-State Survey.
