Iowa Admin. Code r. 650-27.12

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 13, December 25, 2024

Rule 650-27.12 - Teledentistry

This rule establishes the standards of practice for teledentistry.

(1)Definition.

"Teledentistry" means a dentist is providing or supervising dental services using technology when the patient is in another location.

(2)Teledentistry authorized. A dentist may utilize teledentistry to provide dental care to patients located in Iowa. A dentist shall not provide dental care to a patient located in Iowa based solely on an Internet questionnaire consisting of a static set of questions that have been answered by the patient.

(3)License or registration required. A dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant who uses teledentistry for a patient located in Iowa shall hold an active Iowa license or registration issued by the board.

(4)General requirements. The standard of dental care is the same whether a patient is seen in person or through a teledentistry encounter. The use of teledentistry is not an expansion of the scope of practice for dental hygienists or dental assistants. A dentist who uses teledentistry shall utilize evidence-based standards of practice and practice guidelines to ensure patient safety, quality of care, and positive outcomes.

(5)Informed consent. When teledentistry will be utilized, a dentist shall ensure informed consent covers the following additional information:

a. A description of the types of dental care services provided via teledentistry, including limitations on services;

b. The identity, contact information, practice location, licensure, credentials, and qualifications of all dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants involved in the patient's dental care, which must be publicly displayed on a website or provided in writing to the patient; and

c. Precautions for technological failures or emergency situations.

(6)Examination. A dentist may use teledentistry to conduct an examination for a new patient or for a new diagnosis if the examination is conducted in accordance with evidence-based standards of practice to sufficiently establish an informed diagnosis. A dentist shall not conduct a dental examination using teledentistry if the standard of care necessitates an in-person dental examination. Once an examination has been conducted, a dentist may delegate the services to be provided.

(7)Follow-up and emergency care. A dentist who uses teledentistry shall have adequate knowledge of the nature and availability of local dental resources to provide appropriate follow-up care to a patient following a teledentistry encounter. A dentist shall refer a patient to an acute care facility or an emergency department when referral is necessary for the safety of the patient or in the case of emergency.

(8)Supervision. With the exception of administering local anesthesia or nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia, or performing expanded functions, a dentist may delegate to and supervise services to be performed by a dental hygienist or dental assistant.

a. When direct supervision of a dental hygienist or dental assistant is required, a dentist may provide direct supervision using live video. A dentist is not required to directly supervise the entire delivery of dental care but must appear upon request using live video with a response time similar to what would be expected if the dentist were present in the treatment facility.

b. When general supervision of a dental hygienist or dental assistant is required, a dentist may utilize teledentistry.

c. When public health supervision is utilized, a supervising dentist may authorize use of teledentistry.

(9)Patient records. A teledentistry encounter shall be clearly characterized as such in a patient record.

(10)Privacy and security. All dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants shall ensure that the use of teledentistry complies with the privacy and security requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 650-27.12

Amended by IAB November 6, 2019/Volume XLII, Number 10, effective 12/11/2019