Telehealth
The Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Permits the use of Telehealth.
Their 2019 position statement acknowledges the “intra-State” use of telehealth by Maryland licensees practicing physical therapy within the State of Maryland and to clarify that:
- Physical therapy practitioners must hold a valid Maryland license prior to providing physical therapy services via telehealth to clients physically located in Maryland; and,
- The practice of physical therapy, via telehealth or otherwise, in the State of Maryland must be in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Health Occupations Article, Title 10, and The Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), 10.38.01 – 10.38.11.
- PTAs and Telehealth: Supervising physical therapist” means a physical therapist who provides ongoing supervision to a physical therapist assistant regarding the care of a patient. Nothing prohibits supervision of/communication with the PTA being via telecommunication. Supervision of an aide CANNOT be remote. COMAR 10.38.01.01(B)(12) – Ongoing supervision” means that the physical therapist maintains continuing verbal and written contact with the physical therapist assistant to provide supervision and instruction adequate to ensure the safety and welfare of the patient. COMAR 10.38.03.01.B(21)
Telehealth for Persons Outside of Maryland
If an MD-licensed individual is looking to provide telehealth outside of the state, then you would need to seek a compact privilege in the state where you wish to practice telehealth. However, you should first verify what the telehealth law is in that state before proceeding.
To view all telehealth laws, click here.
This act expands telehealth to include certain audio-only telephone conversations under the definition of “telehealth” for the purpose of certain provisions of law relating to reimbursement and coverage of telehealth by the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations; requiring the Maryland Medical Health Care Commission to study and make recommendations regarding the delivery of health care services through telehealth by December 1, 2024; etc
Additional Resources
APTAMD Webinar: Understanding Telehealth in Our Changing World
The benefits of providing telehealth services allows the therapist to meet the needs of increasing demands for patient-centered care with social distancing. This course will encourage therapists to expand their treatment protocols into the virtual world of medicine during these difficult times. Encouraging therapists to think outside the box and adapt their skill sets. The course is approved for two (0.2) credit hours by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
