Ala. Admin. Code r. 630-X-13-.02

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 10, July 31, 2024

Section 630-X-13-.02 - Optometric Telemedicine

(1) The provision of optometric diagnosis, treatment, or other services to a patient through telemedicine at an established treatment site may be used for all patient visits, including initial evaluations to establish an optometrist-patient relationship between a provider and a patient.

(2) A distant site provider who provides telemedicine services to a patient that is not present at an established treatment site shall ensure that a proper provider-patient relationship is established, which shall include at least the following:

(a) Having had at least one face-to-face meeting, either in person, or at an established treatment site via telecommunications technology as set out in 630 x 13.01 (7);

(b) Confirming the identity of the person requesting treatment by establishing that the person requesting the treatment is in fact whom he or she claims to be.

(3) Evaluation, treatment, and consultation recommendations made via telemedicine, including, but not limited to the issuance of prescriptions, shall be held to the same standards of practice as those in traditional in-person clinical settings. The provision of optometric diagnosis, treatment, or other services through telemedicine shall comply with the requirements of the Alabama Code, this chapter, and these regulations. Failure to comply with such requirements shall be considered a failure to meet standard of care as required by 630-X-12-.06 herein.

(4) Distant site providers shall obtain an adequate and complete medical history for the patient before providing treatment and shall document the medical history in the patient record.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 630-X-13-.02

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIII, Issue No. 05, February 27, 2015, eff. 3/13/2015.

Author: Dr. Fred Wallace

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 34-22-80 through 34-33-87.