Telehealth: A licensee may provide occupational therapy services to a client utilizing a telehealth

Telehealth: A licensee may provide occupational therapy services to a client utilizing a telehealth visit if the occupational therapy services are provided in accordance with all requirements of this Act. 1. “Telehealth Visit” means the provision of occupational therapy services by a licensee to a client using technology where the licensee and client are not in the same physical location for the occupational therapy service. 2. A licensee engaged in a telehealth visit shall utilize technology that is secure and compliant with state and federal law. 3. A licensee engaged in a telehealth visit shall be held to the same standard of care as a licensee who provides in-person occupational therapy. A licensee shall not utilize a telehealth visit if the standard of care for the particular occupational therapy services cannot be met using technology. a. If a licensee determines, either before or during the provision of occupational therapy services, that services cannot be provided through telehealth in a manner that is consistent with in-person standards of care, the licensee shall not provide or supervise services through telehealth. In making the determination of whether services should be performed in-person or via telehealth, the licensee shall consider at a minimum: (i) The complexity of the patient’s condition; (ii) The licensee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities; (iii) The patient’s environment and resources; (iv) The nature and complexity of the required intervention; and (v) The capacity and quality of the technological interface available; b. A licensee who determines that services cannot be provided through telehealth shall advise the client to obtain services in-person. 4. Telehealth services provided by the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall be provided synchronously unless it requires the use of services to be reviewed or utilized outside of a treatment session (i.e. home exercise program instructions, safety instructions), then it can be provided asynchronously. a. “Synchronous” means real-time interactive technology. b. “Asynchronous“ means using transmission to another site for review at a later time that uses a camera or other technology to capture images or data to be recorded. Best practice is to consult payer policy directly to confirm availability of this service under the payer’s plan. 5. Supervision of Occupational Therapy Assistants, Aides, and students using telehealth technologies must follow existing state law and guidelines regarding supervision, regardless of the method of supervision.