N.J. Admin. Code § 13:35-2C.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

Section 13:35-2C.4 - Licensee-patient relationship

(a) Prior to providing services through telemedicine or telehealth, a licensee shall establish a licensee-patient relationship by:

1. Identifying the patient with, at a minimum, the patient's name, date of birth, phone number, and address. A licensee may also use a patient's assigned identification number, Social Security number, photo, health insurance policy number, or other identifier associated directly with the patient; and

2. Disclosing and validating the licensee's identity, license, title, and, if applicable, specialty and board certifications.

(b) Prior to initiating contact with a patient for the purpose of providing services to the patient using telemedicine or telehealth, a licensee shall:

1. Review the patient's medical history and any available medical records;

2. Determine, as to each unique patient encounter, whether he or she will be able to provide the same standard of care using telemedicine or telehealth as would be provided if the services were provided in-person; and

3. Provide the patient the opportunity to sign a consent form which authorizes the licensee to release medical records of the encounter to the patient's primary care licensee or other healthcare provider identified by the patient.

(c) Notwithstanding (a) and (b) above, healthcare services may be provided through telemedicine or telehealth without a proper licensee-patient relationship if the provision of healthcare services is:

1. For informal consultations with another healthcare provider performed by a licensee outside the context of a contractual relationship, or on an irregular or infrequent basis, without the expectation or exchange of direct or indirect compensation;

2. During episodic consultations by a medical specialist located in another jurisdiction who provides consultation services, upon request, to a licensee in this State;

3. Related to medical assistance provided in response to an emergency or disaster, provided that there is no charge for the medical assistance; or

4. Provided by a substitute licensee acting on behalf and at the designation of an absent licensee in the same specialty on an on-call or cross-coverage basis.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:35-2C.4

Adopted by 53 N.J.R. 1288(a), effective 8/2/2021