In late April 2014, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), a non-profit organization representing state medical licensing boards, approved a model telemedicine policy for possible adoption by state medical boards.  The Model Policy for the Appropriate Use of Telemedicine Technologies in the Practice of Medicine sets forth guidelines for physicians using telemedicine technologies in delivering patient care.  Among other requirements, the guidelines would require that a physician be “licensed by, or under the jurisdiction of” the medical board of the state in which the patient is located.  The physician must also obtain a “documented medical evaluation and collection of relevant clinical history commensurate with the presentation of the patient” before providing treatment or prescribing medication.  Additionally, physicians must obtain evidence of informed patient consent for the use of telemedicine, including identification of the patient, the physician, and the physician’s credentials, details on security measures taken with the use of telemedicine, etc.  Finally, the guidelines state that physicians should meet or exceed federal and state privacy and security requirements.
Continue Reading Limits in Model Telemedicine Policy Spur Debate