New Telehealth Guidelines due to the Coronavirus…Do they apply to you?
In the past few weeks, you may have heard about some new regulations about telehealth and HIPAA due to the oronavirus.
You’re probably wondering how they affect you and how they apply if you’re a licensed medical practitioner (like a doctor or nurse) or a non-licensed practitioner (like a holistic health coach, NTP or functional medicine practitioner).
I understand why these new regulations may seem confusing, so I wanted to sort them out for you.
Here’s what you need to know:
In Mid-March, Vice President Mike Pence shared in a White House media briefing that there would be new regulations issued by the Department of Health & Human Services.
These regulations were created to be used during the time of the Coronavirus outbreak only so we’re not sure if they will stick after the virus has passed. But for now, they’re in effect.
Watch this quick 9-minute video to gain some insight on:
- The temporary revisions to the HIPAA rules around patient confidentiality
- How these new regulations apply to telehealth
- Who can practice across state lines during this time
- Who is NOT able to practice across state lines
As devastating as this Coronavirus is, it may create an opening in the medical system to let people practice more freely across state lines around medicine AND nutrition down the road in the future… but we just aren’t there yet on all fronts.
In the meantime, if you’re a health and wellness coach or non-licensed practitioner helping people eat healthy food and support a healthy lifestyle, keep two things in mind:
- Be sure you’re talking about the Coronavirus in a way that keeps you from making medical claims.
What’s a medical claim – and how do you not say something wrong? This brand new DIY Legal Master Class HERE can help. You can access it from home 24/7 to help you know what you can say and do, what you can call yourself, how to phrase things for your website – and what NOT to say or do so you can stay in the safe lane and not expose yourself to risk.
- Be sure you’re aware of your state laws regarding nutrition.
(Pssst! I’ll be creating a DIY Legal Master Class about state laws soon so hold tight. People have been asking for one FOREVER and I’m finally putting it together for you.)
Since we don’t know what will happen AFTER the Coronavirus outbreak with regard to HIPAA protections or state licensure, we can only wait and see.
In the meantime, feel free to reach out to my team for a free 20-Minute Legal Chat HERE to ask questions or seek further legal help.
Here’s to understanding the new federal regulations – and to staying safe and healthy!
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So helpful! Thank you for making the video!
Thank you for the update! Any chance you know if licensed practitioners that practice lifestyle/functional medicine are ok to practice across state lines at this time? Even if not related to the current infectious situation (eg thyroid conditions that require prescriptions)? Sending gratitude and well being to you!
Thank you for asking Meg! I’ve checked with Lisa and she said that you’ll need to check your state licensure laws to look for specific guidance about what you can and can’t do right now as a licensed functional medicine practitioner during this time of the Coronavirus outbreak.
When you say licensed – Chinese Medical doctors (acupuncturists and Chinese herbalist) are licensed. Does that mean that we can practice across state lines?
Thanks for your question, Dr. Janice. Each state is making exceptions for their licensed medical professionals in different ways so I’d recommend checking with your State Board or research your state laws regarding Chinese Medical doctors in your state to find out if the licensure requirements have been relaxed for your profession during this time. Thanks for your work in helping your patients to stay safe and healthy!