SB 108 - Currently, the establishment of a physician-patient relationship for purposes of telehealth shall include an interview and a physical examination. Under this act, an evaluation is required, but a physical examination shall be required only if needed to meet the standard of care.
Current law prohibits the use of an internet or telephone questionnaire completed by a patient from constituting an acceptable medical interview for the provision of treatment by telehealth. This act permits such questionnaires if the information provided is sufficient as though the medical evaluation was performed in person.
Additionally, current law requires a physician-patient relationship for purposes of telehealth to include a sufficient dialogue with the patient regarding treatment. This act changes "dialogue" to "exchange" with the patient regarding treatment.
Finally, current law prohibits a health care provider from prescribing any drug, controlled substance, or other treatment to a patient based solely on an internet request or questionnaire. Under this act, a health care provider shall not prescribe any drug, controlled substance, or other treatment to a patient in the absence of a proper provider-patient relationship.
This act is substantially similar to SB 851 (2024) and similar to SCS/SB 418 (2023) and HB 710 (2023).
SARAH HASKINS