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 from patient site to provider site for the provision of speech and language pathology and audiology services to patients through hardwire or internet connection via real time interaction or store forward techniques.

(b)  Telepractice shall be obtained in a manner to ensure patient confidentiality.

(c)  Telepractice is subject to the same standard of practice stated in Rule .0216 of this Chapter as if the person being treated were physically present with the licensee.

(d)  Telepractice constitutes the practice of Speech and Language Pathology and Audiology in both the patient site and provider site. 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)  Registered Speech and Language Pathology Assistants and Audiology Assistants under the supervision of licensed providers shall be allowed to engage in telepractice under the same level of direct supervision as required by 21 NCAC 64 .1003(e)(1), (2), and (6).

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

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

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

Eff. September 1, 2010;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2014;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. October 4, 2016;

Emergency Amendment Eff. March 27, 2020;

Temporary Amendment Eff. June 26, 2020;

Amended Eff. June 1, 2021.