21 NCAC 64 .0219. TELEPRACTICE

(a)  For purposes of this Rule the following words shall have the following meanings:

(1)           "Patient site" means the patient's physical location at the time of the receipt of the telepractice services.

(2)           "Provider" means a licensed speech and language pathologist or audiologist who provides telepractice services.

(3)           "Provider site" means the licensee's physical location at the time of the provision of the telepractice services.

(4)           "Telepractice" means the use of telecommunications and information technologies for the exchange of encrypted patient data, obtained through real-time interaction, from patient site to provider site for the provision of speech and language pathology and audiology services to patients through hardwire or internet connection. Telepractice also includes the interpretation of patient information provided to the licensee via store and forward techniques.

(b)  Telepractice shall be obtained in real time and in a manner sufficient to ensure patient confidentiality.

(c)  Telepractice is subject to the same standard of practice stated in Rules .0205 and .0216 of this Chapter as if the person being treated were physically present with the licensee. Telepractice is the responsibility of the licensee and shall not be delegated.

(d)  Providers must hold a license in the state of the provider site and shall be in compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements of the patient site.

(e)  Licensees and staff involved in telepractice must be trained in the use of telepractice equipment.

(f)  Notification of telepractice services shall be provided to the patient and guardian if the patient is a minor. The notification shall include the right to refuse telepractice services and options for alternate service delivery.

(g)  Telepractice constitutes the practice of Speech and Language Pathology and Audiology in both the patient site and provider site.

 

History note:        Authority G.S. 90-304(a)(3);

Eff. July 1, 2010;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2014.