SUBCHAPTER J. PRACTICE BY CERTAIN LICENSE HOLDERS

Sec. 51.501. TELEHEALTH. (a) In this section:

(1) "Health professional" means a person who holds a license issued by the department under Title 3.

(2) "Patient" means a client, consumer, or other person receiving care or services from a health professional.

(3) "Telehealth service" has the meaning assigned by Section 111.001.

(b) A health professional may provide telehealth services in accordance with Chapter 111 and any requirements imposed by the law and rules governing practice by the health professional.

(c) Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference in Title 3 or a rule adopted under that title to direct observation of a patient by a health professional or direct care or services provided to a patient by a health professional includes the provision of that observation, care, or service using telehealth services.

(d) The commission may adopt rules as necessary to:

(1) ensure that patients receiving telehealth services receive appropriate, quality care;

(2) prevent abuse and fraud in the use of telehealth services, including rules relating to the filing of claims and records required to be maintained in connection with telehealth services;

(3) implement the requirements of Chapter 111 or other laws of this state regarding the provision of telehealth services or the protection of patients receiving telehealth services;

(4) provide for the remote supervision of assistants and other authorized persons performing duties within their existing scope of practice using telecommunications or information technology; and

(5) provide for the remote supervision of experience for apprentices, interns, or other similar trainees using telecommunications or information technology.

(e) Rules under this section may allow for the provision of:

(1) remote education or distance learning for public or private schools; and

(2) continuing education using telecommunications or information technology.

(f) The adoption of rules under this section is subject to Sections 51.2031 and 51.2032.

(g) This section may not be interpreted to:

(1) expand the scope of practice of a health professional; or

(2) authorize a practice or procedure otherwise prohibited by the law or rules governing a health professional.

Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 210 (S.B. 40), Sec. 1, eff. June 3, 2021.