Section 12 AAC 48.370 - Telehealth(a) A person in or outside the state may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice optometry in the state through telehealth without first obtaining a license from the board. (b) An optometrist conducting a patient visit through telehealth (1) shall, before treating the patient, establish an optometrist-patient relationship verbally, in writing, or by conducting an in-person exam; (2) shall verify the patient's identity; (3) shall maintain confidentiality of patient records as required by state and federal law; (4) shall provide patient services through telehealth at the same quality as would be provided in person; if a patient service through telehealth cannot be provided at the same quality as it would be in person, the optometrist shall advise the patient in accordance with AS 08.02.130(c); (5) shall make or identify a diagnosis at the time of the patient visit; (6) may not determine an ophthalmic prescription used to correct a refractive error based solely on an examination conducted through telehealth; (7) shall provide complete patient records of a patient visit conducted through telehealth in a timely manner in accordance with state and federal law.Eff. 11/15/2023, Register 248, January 2024Authority:AS 08.02.130
AS 08.72.050
AS 08.72.110
AS 08.72.278