Connecticut

Counselors

For all behavioral health professionals.

Source

Substitute Senate Bill No. 467

Public Act No. 15-88

AN ACT CONCERNING THE FACILITATION OF TELEHEALTH.

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2015) (a) As used in this section:

(1) "Asynchronous" means any transmission to another site for review at a later time that uses a camera or other technology to capture images or data to be recorded.

(2) "Health record" means the record of individual, health-related information that may include, but need not be limited to, continuity of care documents, discharge summaries, and other information or data relating to a patient's demographics, medical history, medication, allergies, immunizations, laboratory test results, radiology or other diagnostic images, vital signs and statistics.

(3) "Facility fee" has the same meaning as in section 19a-508c of the general statutes.

(4) "Medical history" means information, including, but not limited to, a patient's past illnesses, medications, hospitalizations, family history of illness if known, the name and address of the patient's primary care provider if known, and other matters relating to the health condition of the patient at the time of a telehealth interaction.

(5) "Originating site" means a site at which a patient is located at the time health care services are provided to the patient by means of telehealth.

(6) "Peripheral devices" means the instruments a telehealth provider uses to perform a patient exam, including, but not limited to, stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, sphygmomanometer, thermometer, tongue depressor and reflex hammer.

(7) "Remote patient monitoring" means the personal health and medical data collection from a patient in one location via electronic communication technologies that are then transmitted to a telehealth provider located at a distant site for the purpose of health care monitoring to assist the effective management of the patient's treatment, care, and related support.

(8) "Store and forward transfer" means the asynchronous transmission of a patient's medical information from an originating site to the telehealth provider at a distant site.

(9) "Synchronous" means real-time interactive technology.

(10) "Telehealth" means the mode of delivering health care or other health services via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation and treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient's physical and mental health, and includes (A) interaction between the patient at the originating site and the telehealth provider at a distant site, and (B) synchronous interactions, asynchronous store and forward transfers or remote patient monitoring. Telehealth does not include the use of a facsimile, audio-only telephone, texting, or electronic mail.

(11) "Telehealth provider" means any ... psychologist licensed under chapter 383 of the general statutes, marital and family therapist licensed under chapter 383a of the general statutes, clinical social worker or master social worker licensed under chapter 383b of the general statutes, alcohol and drug counselor licensed under chapter 376b of the general statutes, professional counselor licensed under chapter 383c of the general statutes ..., who is providing health care or other health services through the use of telehealth within such person's scope of practice and in accordance with the standard of care applicable to the profession.

(b) (1) A telehealth provider shall only provide telehealth services to a patient when the telehealth provider: (A) Is communicating through real-time, interactive, two-way communication technology or store and forward technologies; (B) has access to, or knowledge of, the patient's medical history, as provided by the patient, and the patient's health record, including the name and address of the patient's primary care provider, if any; (C) conforms to the standard of care applicable to the telehealth provider's profession and expected for in-person care as appropriate to the patient's age and presenting condition, except when the standard of care requires the use of diagnostic testing and performance of a physical examination, such testing or examination may be carried out through the use of peripheral devices appropriate to the patient's condition; and (D) provides the patient with the telehealth's provider license number and contact information.

(2) At the time of the telehealth provider's first telehealth interaction with a patient, the telehealth provider shall inform the patient concerning the treatment methods and limitations of treatment using a telehealth platform and, after providing the patient with such information, obtain the patient's consent to provide telehealth services. The telehealth provider shall document such notice and consent in the patient's health record.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20 of the general statutes, no telehealth provider shall prescribe schedule I, II or III controlled substances through the use of telehealth.

(d) Each telehealth provider shall, at the time of each telehealth interaction, ask the patient whether the patient consents to the telehealth's provider disclosure of records concerning the telehealth interaction to the patient's primary care provider. If the patient consents to such disclosure, the telehealth provider shall provide such records to the patient's primary care provider, in a timely manner, in accordance with the provisions of sections 20-7b to 20-7e, inclusive, of the general statutes.

(e) The provision of telehealth services and health records maintained and disclosed as part of a telehealth interaction shall comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 P. L. 104-191, as amended from time to time.

(f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit: (1) A health care provider from providing on-call coverage pursuant to an agreement with another health care provider or such health care provider's professional entity or employer; (2) a health care provider from consulting with another health care provider concerning a patient's care; or (3) orders of health care providers for hospital outpatients or inpatients. For purposes of this subsection, "health care provider" means a person or entity licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 370, 372, 373, 375, 378 or 379 of the general statutes or licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 368d or 384d of the general statutes.

(g) No telehealth provider shall charge a facility fee for telehealth services."

Social Workers

For all behavioral health professionals

Source

Substitute Senate Bill No. 467

Public Act No. 15-88

AN ACT CONCERNING THE FACILITATION OF TELEHEALTH.

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2015) (a) As used in this section:

(1) "Asynchronous" means any transmission to another site for review at a later time that uses a camera or other technology to capture images or data to be recorded.

(2) "Health record" means the record of individual, health-related information that may include, but need not be limited to, continuity of care documents, discharge summaries and other information or data relating to a patient's demographics, medical history, medication, allergies, immunizations, laboratory test results, radiology or other diagnostic images, vital signs and statistics.

(3) "Facility fee" has the same meaning as in section 19a-508c of the general statutes.

(4) "Medical history" means information, including, but not limited to, a patient's past illnesses, medications, hospitalizations, family history of illness if known, the name and address of the patient's primary care provider if known, and other matters relating to the health condition of the patient at the time of a telehealth interaction.

(5) "Originating site" means a site at which a patient is located at the time health care services are provided to the patient by means of telehealth.

(6) "Peripheral devices" means the instruments a telehealth provider uses to perform a patient exam, including, but not limited to, stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, sphygmomanometer, thermometer, tongue depressor, and reflex hammer.

(7) "Remote patient monitoring" means the personal health and medical data collection from a patient in one location via electronic communication technologies that is then transmitted to a telehealth provider located at a distant site for the purpose of health care monitoring to assist the effective management of the patient's treatment, care, and related support.

(8) "Store and forward transfer" means the asynchronous transmission of a patient's medical information from an originating site to the telehealth provider at a distant site.

(9) "Synchronous" means real-time interactive technology.

(10) "Telehealth" means the mode of delivering health care or other health services via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation and treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient's physical and mental health, and includes (A) interaction between the patient at the originating site and the telehealth provider at a distant site, and (B) synchronous interactions, asynchronous store and forward transfers or remote patient monitoring. Telehealth does not include the use of a facsimile, audio-only telephone, texting, or electronic mail.

(11) "Telehealth provider" means any ... psychologist licensed under chapter 383 of the general statutes, marital and family therapist licensed under chapter 383a of the general statutes, clinical social worker or master social worker licensed under chapter 383b of the general statutes, alcohol and drug counselor licensed under chapter 376b of the general statutes, professional counselor licensed under chapter 383c of the general statutes ..., who is providing health care or other health services through the use of telehealth within such person's scope of practice and in accordance with the standard of care applicable to the profession.

(b) (1) A telehealth provider shall only provide telehealth services to a patient when the telehealth provider: (A) Is communicating through real-time, interactive, two-way communication technology or store and forward technologies; (B) has access to, or knowledge of, the patient's medical history, as provided by the patient, and the patient's health record, including the name and address of the patient's primary care provider, if any; (C) conforms to the standard of care applicable to the telehealth provider's profession and expected for in-person care as appropriate to the patient's age and presenting condition, except when the standard of care requires the use of diagnostic testing and performance of a physical examination, such testing or examination may be carried out through the use of peripheral devices appropriate to the patient's condition; and (D) provides the patient with the telehealth's provider license number and contact information.

(2) At the time of the telehealth provider's first telehealth interaction with a patient, the telehealth provider shall inform the patient concerning the treatment methods and limitations of treatment using a telehealth platform and, after providing the patient with such information, obtain the patient's consent to provide telehealth services. The telehealth provider shall document such notice and consent in the patient's health record.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20 of the general statutes, no telehealth provider shall prescribe schedule I, II, or III controlled substances through the use of telehealth.

(d) Each telehealth provider shall, at the time of each telehealth interaction, ask the patient whether the patient consents to the telehealth's provider disclosure of records concerning the telehealth interaction to the patient's primary care provider. If the patient consents to such disclosure, the telehealth provider shall provide such records to the patient's primary care provider, in a timely manner, in accordance with the provisions of sections 20-7b to 20-7e, inclusive, of the general statutes.

(e) The provision of telehealth services and health records maintained and disclosed as part of a telehealth interaction shall comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 P. L. 104-191, as amended from time to time.

(f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit: (1) A health care provider from providing on-call coverage pursuant to an agreement with another health care provider or such health care provider's professional entity or employer; (2) a health care provider from consulting with another health care provider concerning a patient's care; or (3) orders of health care providers for hospital outpatients or inpatients. For purposes of this subsection, "health care provider" means a person or entity licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 370, 372, 373, 375, 378 or 379 of the general statutes or licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 368d or 384d of the general statutes.

(g) No telehealth provider shall charge a facility fee for telehealth services."

Marriage and Family Therapists

For all behavioral health professionals

Source

Substitute Senate Bill No. 467

Public Act No. 15-88

AN ACT CONCERNING THE FACILITATION OF TELEHEALTH.

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2015) (a) As used in this section:

(1) "Asynchronous" means any transmission to another site for review at a later time that uses a camera or other technology to capture images or data to be recorded.

(2) "Health record" means the record of individual, health-related information that may include, but need not be limited to, continuity of care documents, discharge summaries and other information or data relating to a patient's demographics, medical history, medication, allergies, immunizations, laboratory test results, radiology or other diagnostic images, vital signs and statistics.

(3) "Facility fee" has the same meaning as in section 19a-508c of the general statutes.

(4) "Medical history" means information, including, but not limited to, a patient's past illnesses, medications, hospitalizations, family history of illness if known, the name and address of the patient's primary care provider if known, and other matters relating to the health condition of the patient at the time of a telehealth interaction.

(5) "Originating site" means a site at which a patient is located at the time health care services are provided to the patient by means of telehealth.

(6) "Peripheral devices" means the instruments a telehealth provider uses to perform a patient exam, including, but not limited to, stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, sphygmomanometer, thermometer, tongue depressor, and reflex hammer.

(7) "Remote patient monitoring" means the personal health and medical data collection from a patient in one location via electronic communication technologies that are then transmitted to a telehealth provider located at a distant site for the purpose of health care monitoring to assist the effective management of the patient's treatment, care, and related support.

(8) "Store and forward transfer" means the asynchronous transmission of a patient's medical information from an originating site to the telehealth provider at a distant site.

(9) "Synchronous" means real-time interactive technology.

(10) "Telehealth" means the mode of delivering health care or other health services via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation and treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient's physical and mental health, and includes (A) interaction between the patient at the originating site and the telehealth provider at a distant site, and (B) synchronous interactions, asynchronous store and forward transfers or remote patient monitoring. Telehealth does not include the use of a facsimile, audio-only telephone, texting, or electronic mail.

(11) "Telehealth provider" means any ... psychologist licensed under chapter 383 of the general statutes, marital and family therapist licensed under chapter 383a of the general statutes, clinical social worker or master social worker licensed under chapter 383b of the general statutes, alcohol and drug counselor licensed under chapter 376b of the general statutes, professional counselor licensed under chapter 383c of the general statutes ..., who is providing health care or other health services through the use of telehealth within such person's scope of practice and in accordance with the standard of care applicable to the profession.

(b) (1) A telehealth provider shall only provide telehealth services to a patient when the telehealth provider: (A) Is communicating through real-time, interactive, two-way communication technology or store and forward technologies; (B) has access to, or knowledge of, the patient's medical history, as provided by the patient, and the patient's health record, including the name and address of the patient's primary care provider, if any; (C) conforms to the standard of care applicable to the telehealth provider's profession and expected for in-person care as appropriate to the patient's age and presenting condition, except when the standard of care requires the use of diagnostic testing and performance of a physical examination, such testing or examination may be carried out through the use of peripheral devices appropriate to the patient's condition; and (D) provides the patient with the telehealth's provider license number and contact information.

(2) At the time of the telehealth provider's first telehealth interaction with a patient, the telehealth provider shall inform the patient concerning the treatment methods and limitations of treatment using a telehealth platform and, after providing the patient with such information, obtain the patient's consent to provide telehealth services. The telehealth provider shall document such notice and consent in the patient's health record.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20 of the general statutes, no telehealth provider shall prescribe schedule I, II or III controlled substances through the use of telehealth.

(d) Each telehealth provider shall, at the time of each telehealth interaction, ask the patient whether the patient consents to the telehealth's provider disclosure of records concerning the telehealth interaction to the patient's primary care provider. If the patient consents to such disclosure, the telehealth provider shall provide such records to the patient's primary care provider, in a timely manner, in accordance with the provisions of sections 20-7b to 20-7e, inclusive, of the general statutes.

(e) The provision of telehealth services and health records maintained and disclosed as part of a telehealth interaction shall comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 P. L. 104-191, as amended from time to time.

(f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit: (1) A health care provider from providing on-call coverage pursuant to an agreement with another health care provider or such health care provider's professional entity or employer; (2) a health care provider from consulting with another health care provider concerning a patient's care; or (3) orders of health care providers for hospital outpatients or inpatients. For purposes of this subsection, "health care provider" means a person or entity licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 370, 372, 373, 375, 378 or 379 of the general statutes or licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 368d or 384d of the general statutes.

(g) No telehealth provider shall charge a facility fee for telehealth services."

Psychologists

For all behavioral health professionals

Source

Substitute Senate Bill No. 467

Public Act No. 15-88

AN ACT CONCERNING THE FACILITATION OF TELEHEALTH.

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2015) (a) As used in this section:

(1) "Asynchronous" means any transmission to another site for review at a later time that uses a camera or other technology to capture images or data to be recorded.

(2) "Health record" means the record of individual, health-related information that may include, but need not be limited to, continuity of care documents, discharge summaries, and other information or data relating to a patient's demographics, medical history, medication, allergies, immunizations, laboratory test results, radiology or other diagnostic images, vital signs and statistics.

(3) "Facility fee" has the same meaning as in section 19a-508c of the general statutes.

(4) "Medical history" means information, including, but not limited to, a patient's past illnesses, medications, hospitalizations, family history of illness if known, the name and address of the patient's primary care provider if known, and other matters relating to the health condition of the patient at the time of a telehealth interaction.

(5) "Originating site" means a site at which a patient is located at the time health care services are provided to the patient by means of telehealth.

(6) "Peripheral devices" means the instruments a telehealth provider uses to perform a patient exam, including, but not limited to, stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, sphygmomanometer, thermometer, tongue depressor, and reflex hammer.

(7) "Remote patient monitoring" means the personal health and medical data collection from a patient in one location via electronic communication technologies that is then transmitted to a telehealth provider located at a distant site for the purpose of health care monitoring to assist the effective management of the patient's treatment, care, and related support.

(8) "Store and forward transfer" means the asynchronous transmission of a patient's medical information from an originating site to the telehealth provider at a distant site.

(9) "Synchronous" means real-time interactive technology.

(10) "Telehealth" means the mode of delivering health care or other health services via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation and treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient's physical and mental health, and includes (A) interaction between the patient at the originating site and the telehealth provider at a distant site, and (B) synchronous interactions, asynchronous store and forward transfers or remote patient monitoring. Telehealth does not include the use of a facsimile, audio-only telephone, texting, or electronic mail.

(11) "Telehealth provider" means any ... psychologist licensed under chapter 383 of the general statutes, marital and family therapist licensed under chapter 383a of the general statutes, clinical social worker or master social worker licensed under chapter 383b of the general statutes, alcohol and drug counselor licensed under chapter 376b of the general statutes, professional counselor licensed under chapter 383c of the general statutes ..., who is providing health care or other health services through the use of telehealth within such person's scope of practice and in accordance with the standard of care applicable to the profession.

(b) (1) A telehealth provider shall only provide telehealth services to a patient when the telehealth provider: (A) Is communicating through real-time, interactive, two-way communication technology or store and forward technologies; (B) has access to, or knowledge of, the patient's medical history, as provided by the patient, and the patient's health record, including the name and address of the patient's primary care provider, if any; (C) conforms to the standard of care applicable to the telehealth provider's profession and expected for in-person care as appropriate to the patient's age and presenting condition, except when the standard of care requires the use of diagnostic testing and performance of a physical examination, such testing or examination may be carried out through the use of peripheral devices appropriate to the patient's condition; and (D) provides the patient with the telehealth's provider license number and contact information.

(2) At the time of the telehealth provider's first telehealth interaction with a patient, the telehealth provider shall inform the patient concerning the treatment methods and limitations of treatment using a telehealth platform and, after providing the patient with such information, obtain the patient's consent to provide telehealth services. The telehealth provider shall document such notice and consent in the patient's health record.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20 of the general statutes, no telehealth provider shall prescribe schedule I, II, or III controlled substances through the use of telehealth.

(d) Each telehealth provider shall, at the time of each telehealth interaction, ask the patient whether the patient consents to the telehealth's provider disclosure of records concerning the telehealth interaction to the patient's primary care provider. If the patient consents to such disclosure, the telehealth provider shall provide such records to the patient's primary care provider, in a timely manner, in accordance with the provisions of sections 20-7b to 20-7e, inclusive, of the general statutes.

(e) The provision of telehealth services and health records maintained and disclosed as part of a telehealth interaction shall comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 P. L. 104-191, as amended from time to time.

(f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit: (1) A health care provider from providing on-call coverage pursuant to an agreement with another health care provider or such health care provider's professional entity or employer; (2) a health care provider from consulting with another health care provider concerning a patient's care; or (3) orders of health care providers for hospital outpatients or inpatients. For purposes of this subsection, "health care provider" means a person or entity licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 370, 372, 373, 375, 378 or 379 of the general statutes or licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 368d or 384d of the general statutes.

(g) No telehealth provider shall charge a facility fee for telehealth services." 

Psychiatrists

Source

“(10) "Telehealth" means the mode of delivering health care or other health services via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation and treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient's physical and mental health, and includes (A) interaction between the patient at the originating site and the telehealth provider at a distant site, and (B) synchronous interactions, asynchronous store, and forward transfers or remote patient monitoring. Telehealth does not include the use of facsimile, audio-only telephone, texting, or electronic mail.”

“(11) "Telehealth provider" means any physician licensed under chapter 370 of the general statutes, physical therapist licensed under chapter 376 of the general statutes, chiropractor licensed under chapter 372 of the general statutes, naturopath licensed under chapter 373 of the general statutes, podiatrist licensed under chapter 375 of the general statutes, occupational therapist licensed under chapter 376a of the general statutes, optometrist licensed under chapter 380 of the general statutes, advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 378 of the general statutes, physician assistant licensed under chapter 370 of the general statutes, psychologist licensed under chapter 383 of the general statutes, marital and family therapist licensed under chapter 383a of the general statutes, clinical social worker or master social worker licensed under chapter 383b of the general statutes, alcohol and drug counselor licensed under chapter 376b of the general statutes, professional counselor licensed under chapter 383c of the general statutes or dietitian-nutritionist certified under chapter 384b of the general statutes, who is providing health care or other health services through the use of telehealth within such person's scope of practice and in accordance with the standard of care applicable to the profession.”

“(b) (1) A telehealth provider shall only provide telehealth services to a patient when the telehealth provider: (A) Is communicating through real-time, interactive, two-way communication technology or store and forward technologies; (B) has access to, or knowledge of, the patient's medical history, as provided by the patient, and the patient's health record, including the name and address of the patient's primary care provider, if any; (C) conforms to the standard of care applicable to the telehealth provider's profession and expected for in-person care as appropriate to the patient's age and presenting condition, except when the standard of care requires the use of diagnostic testing and performance of a physical examination, such testing or examination may be carried out through the use of peripheral devices appropriate to the patient's condition; and (D) provides the patient with the telehealth's provider license number and contact information.”

“(2) At the time of the telehealth provider's first telehealth interaction with a patient, the telehealth provider shall inform the patient concerning the treatment methods and limitations of treatment using a telehealth platform and, after providing the patient with such information, obtain the patient's consent to provide telehealth services. The telehealth provider shall document such notice and consent in the patient's health record.”

“(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20 of the general statutes, no telehealth provider shall prescribe schedule I, II, or III controlled substances through the use of telehealth.”

“(d) Each telehealth provider shall, at the time of each telehealth interaction, ask the patient whether the patient consents to the telehealth's provider disclosure of records concerning the telehealth interaction to the patient's primary care provider. If the patient consents to such disclosure, the telehealth provider shall provide such records to the patient's primary care provider, in a timely manner, in accordance with the provisions of sections 20-7b to 20-7e, inclusive, of the general statutes.”

“(e) The provision of telehealth services and health records maintained and disclosed as part of a telehealth interaction shall comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 P. L. 104-191, as amended from time to time.”

“(f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit: (1) A health care provider from providing on-call coverage pursuant to an agreement with another health care provider or such health care provider's professional entity or employer; (2) a health care provider from consulting with another health care provider concerning a patient's care; or (3) orders of health care providers for hospital outpatients or inpatients. For purposes of this subsection, "health care provider" means a person or entity licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 370, 372, 373, 375, 378 or 379 of the general statutes or licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 368d or 384d of the general statutes.”

“(g) No telehealth provider shall charge a facility fee for telehealth services.”

Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.

Connecticut Professional Regulation/Health & Safety Online Prescribing

Source

“(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20 of the general statutes, no telehealth provider shall, during the period beginning on the effective date of this section and ending on June 30, 2023, prescribe any schedule I, II or III controlled substance through the use of telehealth, except a schedule II or III controlled substance other than an opioid drug, as defined in section 20-14o of the general statutes, in a manner fully consistent with the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, 21 USC 829(e), as amended from time to time, for the treatment of a person with a psychiatric disability or substance use disorder, as defined in section 17a-458 of the general statutes, including, but not limited to, medication-assisted treatment. A telehealth provider using telehealth to prescribe a schedule II or III controlled substance pursuant to this subsection shall electronically submit the prescription pursuant to section 21a-249 of the general House Bill No. 5596 Public Act No. 21-9 6 of 20 statutes, as amended by this act.”

“(c) A licensed practitioner shall not be required to electronically transmit a prescription when: (1) Electronic transmission is not available due to a temporary technological or electrical failure. In the event of a temporary technological or electrical failure, the practitioner shall, without undue delay, reasonably attempt to correct any cause for the failure that is within his or her control. A practitioner who issues a prescription, but fails to electronically transmit the prescription, as permitted by this subsection, shall document the reason for the practitioner's failure to electronically transmit the prescription in the patient's medical record House Bill No. 5596 Public Act No. 21-9 10 of 20 as soon as practicable, but in no instance more than seventy-two hours following the end of the temporary technological or electrical failure that prevented the electronic transmittal of the prescription. For purposes of this subdivision, "temporary technological or electrical failure" means failure of a computer system, application or device or the loss of electrical power to such system, application or device, or any other service interruption to such system, application or device that reasonably prevents the practitioner from utilizing his or her certified application to electronically transmit the prescription in accordance with subsection (b) of this section; (2) The practitioner reasonably determines that it would be impractical for the patient to obtain substances prescribed by an electronically transmitted prescription in a timely manner and that such delay would adversely impact the patient's medical condition, provided if such prescription is for a controlled substance, the quantity of such controlled substance does not exceed a five-day supply for the patient, if the controlled substance was used in accordance with the directions for use. A practitioner who issues a prescription, but fails to electronically transmit the prescription, as permitted by this subsection, shall document the reason for the practitioner's failure to electronically transmit the prescription in the patient's medical record; (3) The prescription is to be dispensed by a pharmacy located outside this state. A practitioner who issues a prescription, but fails to electronically transmit the prescription, as permitted by this subsection, shall document the reason for the practitioner's failure to electronically transmit the prescription in the patient's medical record; (4) Use of an electronically transmitted prescription may negatively impact patient care, such as a prescription containing two or more products to be compounded by a pharmacist, a prescription for direct administration to a patient by parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intraspinal infusion, a prescription that contains long House Bill No. 5596 Public Act No. 21-9 11 of 20 or complicated directions, a prescription that requires certain elements to be included by the federal Food and Drug and Administration, or an oral prescription communicated to a pharmacist by a health care practitioner for a patient in a chronic and convalescent nursing home, licensed pursuant to chapter 368v; or (5) The practitioner demonstrates, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, that such practitioner does not have the technological capacity to issue electronically transmitted prescriptions. For the purposes of this subsection, "technological capacity" means possession of a computer system, hardware or device that can be used to electronically transmit controlled substance prescriptions consistent with the requirements of the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC 801, as amended from time to time. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to a practitioner when such practitioner is prescribing as a telehealth provider, as defined in section 19a-906, [or] section 1 of public act 20-2 of the July special session or section 1 of this act, as applicable, pursuant to subsection (c) of section 19a-906, [or] subsection (c) of section 1 of public act 20-2 of the July special session or subsection (c) of section 1 of this act, as applicable.”

Source

“Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20, no telehealth provider shall prescribe any schedule I, II or III controlled substance through the use of telehealth, except a schedule II or III controlled substance other than an opioid drug, as defined in section 20-14o, in a manner fully consistent with the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, 21 USC 829(e), as amended from time to time, for the treatment of a person with a psychiatric disability or substance use disorder, as defined in section 17a-458, including, but not limited to, medication-assisted treatment. A telehealth provider using telehealth to prescribe a schedule II or III controlled substance pursuant to this subsection shall electronically submit the prescription pursuant to section 21a-249.”

Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.

Nurses

Substitute Senate Bill No. 467

Source

Public Act No. 15-88

AN ACT CONCERNING THE FACILITATION OF TELEHEALTH.

“Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective October 1, 2015) (a) As used in this section:

“(1) "Asynchronous" means any transmission to another site for review at a later time that uses a camera or other technology to capture images or data to be recorded.”

“(2) "Health record" means the record of individual, health-related information that may include, but need not be limited to, continuity of care documents, discharge summaries, and other information or data relating to a patient's demographics, medical history, medication, allergies, immunizations, laboratory test results, radiology or other diagnostic images, vital signs and statistics.”

“(3) "Facility fee" has the same meaning as in section 19a-508c of the general statutes.”

“(4) "Medical history" means information, including, but not limited to, a patient's past illnesses, medications, hospitalizations, family history of illness if known, the name and address of the patient's primary care provider if known, and other matters relating to the health condition of the patient at the time of a telehealth interaction.”

“(5) "Originating site" means a site at which a patient is located at the time health care services are provided to the patient by means of telehealth.”

“(6) "Peripheral devices" means the instruments a telehealth provider uses to perform a patient exam, including, but not limited to, stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, sphygmomanometer, thermometer, tongue depressor, and reflex hammer.”

“(7) "Remote patient monitoring" means the personal health and medical data collection from a patient in one location via electronic communication technologies that are then transmitted to a telehealth provider located at a distant site for the purpose of health care monitoring to assist the effective management of the patient's treatment, care, and related support.”

“(8) "Store and forward transfer" means the asynchronous transmission of a patient's medical information from an originating site to the telehealth provider at a distant site.”

“(9) "Synchronous" means real-time interactive technology.”

“(10) "Telehealth" means the mode of delivering health care or other health services via information and communication technologies to facilitate the diagnosis, consultation and treatment, education, care management, and self-management of a patient's physical and mental health, and includes (A) interaction between the patient at the originating site and the telehealth provider at a distant site, and (B) synchronous interactions, asynchronous store, and forward transfers or remote patient monitoring. Telehealth does not include the use of a facsimile, audio-only telephone, texting, or electronic mail.”

“(11) "Telehealth provider" means any physician licensed under chapter 370 of the general statutes, physical therapist licensed under chapter 376 of the general statutes, chiropractor licensed under chapter 372 of the general statutes, naturopath licensed under chapter 373 of the general statutes, podiatrist licensed under chapter 375 of the general statutes, occupational therapist licensed under chapter 376a of the general statutes, optometrist licensed under chapter 380 of the general statutes, advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 378 of the general statutes, physician assistant licensed under chapter 370 of the general statutes, psychologist licensed under chapter 383 of the general statutes, marital and family therapist licensed under chapter 383a of the general statutes, clinical social worker or master social worker licensed under chapter 383b of the general statutes, alcohol and drug counselor licensed under chapter 376b of the general statutes, professional counselor licensed under chapter 383c of the general statutes or dietitian-nutritionist certified under chapter 384b of the general statutes, who is providing health care or other health services through the use of telehealth within such person's scope of practice and in accordance with the standard of care applicable to the profession.

(b) (1) A telehealth provider shall only provide telehealth services to a patient when the telehealth provider: (A) Is communicating through real-time, interactive, two-way communication technology or store and forward technologies; (B) has access to, or knowledge of, the patient's medical history, as provided by the patient, and the patient's health record, including the name and address of the patient's primary care provider, if any; (C) conforms to the standard of care applicable to the telehealth provider's profession and expected for in-person care as appropriate to the patient's age and presenting condition, except when the standard of care requires the use of diagnostic testing and performance of a physical examination, such testing or examination may be carried out through the use of peripheral devices appropriate to the patient's condition; and (D) provides the patient with the telehealth's provider license number and contact information.

(2) At the time of the telehealth provider's first telehealth interaction with a patient, the telehealth provider shall inform the patient concerning the treatment methods and limitations of treatment using a telehealth platform and, after providing the patient with such information, obtain the patient's consent to provide telehealth services. The telehealth provider shall document such notice and consent in the patient's health record.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20 of the general statutes, no telehealth provider shall prescribe schedule I, II or III controlled substances through the use of telehealth.

(d) Each telehealth provider shall, at the time of each telehealth interaction, ask the patient whether the patient consents to the telehealth's provider disclosure of records concerning the telehealth interaction to the patient's primary care provider. If the patient consents to such disclosure, the telehealth provider shall provide such records to the patient's primary care provider, in a timely manner, in accordance with the provisions of sections 20-7b to 20-7e, inclusive, of the general statutes.

(e) The provision of telehealth services and health records maintained and disclosed as part of a telehealth interaction shall comply with the provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 P. L. 104-191, as amended from time to time.

(f) Nothing in this section shall prohibit: (1) A health care provider from providing on-call coverage pursuant to an agreement with another health care provider or such health care provider's professional entity or employer; (2) a health care provider from consulting with another health care provider concerning a patient's care; or (3) orders of health care providers for hospital outpatients or inpatients. For purposes of this subsection, "health care provider" means a person or entity licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 370, 372, 373, 375, 378 or 379 of the general statutes or licensed or certified pursuant to chapter 368d or 384d of the general statutes.

(g) No telehealth provider shall charge a facility fee for telehealth services.”

“Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.

Connecticut Professional Regulation/Health & Safety Online Prescribing

Source

“(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20 of the general statutes, no telehealth provider shall, during the period beginning on the effective date of this section and ending on June 30, 2023, prescribe any schedule I, II or III controlled substance through the use of telehealth, except a schedule II or III controlled substance other than an opioid drug, as defined in section 20-14o of the general statutes, in a manner fully consistent with the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, 21 USC 829(e), as amended from time to time, for the treatment of a person with a psychiatric disability or substance use disorder, as defined in section 17a-458 of the general statutes, including, but not limited to, medication-assisted treatment. A telehealth provider using telehealth to prescribe a schedule II or III controlled substance pursuant to this subsection shall electronically submit the prescription pursuant to section 21a-249 of the general House Bill No. 5596 Public Act No. 21-9 6 of 20 statutes, as amended by this act.”

“(c) A licensed practitioner shall not be required to electronically transmit a prescription when: (1) Electronic transmission is not available due to a temporary technological or electrical failure. In the event of a temporary technological or electrical failure, the practitioner shall, without undue delay, reasonably attempt to correct any cause for the failure that is within his or her control. A practitioner who issues a prescription, but fails to electronically transmit the prescription, as permitted by this subsection, shall document the reason for the practitioner's failure to electronically transmit the prescription in the patient's medical record House Bill No. 5596 Public Act No. 21-9 10 of 20 as soon as practicable, but in no instance more than seventy-two hours following the end of the temporary technological or electrical failure that prevented the electronic transmittal of the prescription. For purposes of this subdivision, "temporary technological or electrical failure" means failure of a computer system, application or device or the loss of electrical power to such system, application or device, or any other service interruption to such system, application or device that reasonably prevents the practitioner from utilizing his or her certified application to electronically transmit the prescription in accordance with subsection (b) of this section; (2) The practitioner reasonably determines that it would be impractical for the patient to obtain substances prescribed by an electronically transmitted prescription in a timely manner and that such delay would adversely impact the patient's medical condition, provided if such prescription is for a controlled substance, the quantity of such controlled substance does not exceed a five-day supply for the patient, if the controlled substance was used in accordance with the directions for use. A practitioner who issues a prescription, but fails to electronically transmit the prescription, as permitted by this subsection, shall document the reason for the practitioner's failure to electronically transmit the prescription in the patient's medical record; (3) The prescription is to be dispensed by a pharmacy located outside this state. A practitioner who issues a prescription, but fails to electronically transmit the prescription, as permitted by this subsection, shall document the reason for the practitioner's failure to electronically transmit the prescription in the patient's medical record; (4) Use of an electronically transmitted prescription may negatively impact patient care, such as a prescription containing two or more products to be compounded by a pharmacist, a prescription for direct administration to a patient by parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intraspinal infusion, a prescription that contains long House Bill No. 5596 Public Act No. 21-9 11 of 20 or complicated directions, a prescription that requires certain elements to be included by the federal Food and Drug and Administration, or an oral prescription communicated to a pharmacist by a health care practitioner for a patient in a chronic and convalescent nursing home, licensed pursuant to chapter 368v; or (5) The practitioner demonstrates, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, that such practitioner does not have the technological capacity to issue electronically transmitted prescriptions. For the purposes of this subsection, "technological capacity" means possession of a computer system, hardware or device that can be used to electronically transmit controlled substance prescriptions consistent with the requirements of the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC 801, as amended from time to time. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to a practitioner when such practitioner is prescribing as a telehealth provider, as defined in section 19a-906, [or] section 1 of public act 20-2 of the July special session or section 1 of this act, as applicable, pursuant to subsection (c) of section 19a-906, [or] subsection (c) of section 1 of public act 20-2 of the July special session or subsection (c) of section 1 of this act, as applicable.”

Source

“Notwithstanding the provisions of this section or title 20, no telehealth provider shall prescribe any schedule I, II or III controlled substance through the use of telehealth, except a schedule II or III controlled substance other than an opioid drug, as defined in section 20-14o, in a manner fully consistent with the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, 21 USC 829(e), as amended from time to time, for the treatment of a person with a psychiatric disability or substance use disorder, as defined in section 17a-458, including, but not limited to, medication-assisted treatment. A telehealth provider using telehealth to prescribe a schedule II or III controlled substance pursuant to this subsection shall electronically submit the prescription pursuant to section 21a-249.”

Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.

Medicaid Telehealth Parity Law

Source: CT Provider Manual. Behavioral Health. Sec. 17b-262-918. 

Services Not Covered

“The department shall not pay for the following behavioral health clinician services:

(1) Information or services furnished by the licensed behavioral health clinician to the client electronically or over the telephone, except for case management services provided to clients age eighteen and under;”

Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.

Private Pay Telehealth Parity Law

Source: CT General Statute 38a, Sec. 499a

“(b) Each individual health insurance policy providing coverage of the type specified in subdivisions (1), (2), (4), (11) and (12) of section 38a-469 of the general statutes delivered, issued for delivery, renewed, amended or continued in this state shall provide coverage for medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment provided through telehealth, to the extent coverage is provided for such advice, diagnosis, care or treatment when provided through in-person consultation between the insured and a health care provider. Such coverage shall be subject to the same terms and conditions applicable to all other benefits under such policy.

(c) No such policy shall: (1) Exclude a service for coverage solely because such service is provided only through telehealth and not through in-person consultation between the insured and a health care provider, provided telehealth is appropriate for the provision of such service; or (2) be required to reimburse a treating or consulting health care provider for the technical fees or technical costs for the provision of telehealth services.

(d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit or limit a health insurer, health care center, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation or other entity from conducting utilization review for telehealth services, provided such utilization review is conducted in the same manner and uses the same clinical review criteria as a utilization review for an in-person consultation for the same service.”

Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.

Payment Parity

We are not aware of any explicit payment parity

Permission for the Temporary Practice of Clinicians Licensed Outside the State

We are not aware of any permission that allows for services delivered by out-of-state providers.

Note: As this is a free resource and Rules and Regulations regarding Telehealth are always changing, we appreciate any updates or corrections. They can be emailed to us at [email protected] with a link to the source or a citation of the rule or regulation.

Telemental Health Training Certificate Program

Telemental health is not a separate service from mental health services. All state licensing boards require that licensed clinicians follow all the regulations for practicing under their license no matter what medium of communication is used. All licensing boards also require that clinicians only practice within the boundaries of their competence. This usually requires education, continuing education, and/or supervision in telemental health. Complete our telehealth training program to cover all the essential competencies of providing telemental health services and earn the THTC (Telemental Health Training Certificate).