Telehealth
Telehealth solutions fall under the broad umbrella of digital health technologies.
In Maryland, “Telehealth practitioner” means:
(a) A Maryland licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant performing telehealth services within their respective scope of practice; or
(b) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant with a compact privilege in Maryland performing telehealth services within their respective scope of practice.
NEW TELEHEALTH REGULATION COMAR 10.38.13.00-06 went into effect September 18, 2023
Preserve Telehealth Act of 2023
Extending to June 30, 2025, the inclusion of 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
Webinar
"Understanding Telehealth in Our Changing World"
Telehealth, now more than ever, is an emerging treatment model that can be utilized for a variety of conditions.
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.
Free for members and $25 for non.
(Members must be signed in to the web site to get the course for free).
The course is approved for two (0.2) credit hours by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Resources
- Check out APTA’s telehealth certificate series to ensure that the physical therapy profession is prepared to provide excellent care via telehealth.
- Consideration for telehealth billing and coding can be found here, as well as resources on telehealth advocacy.
Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Policy Position Statement on Telehealth
The Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners permits the use of telehealth.
Their 2019 position statement is to acknowledge 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)
