Can Physical Therapists Practicing in Maryland Use Telehealth?
Physical therapists in Maryland must comply with the state’s telehealth laws to provide care using virtual platforms. To practice telehealth, physical therapists must hold an active, unrestricted license issued by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. A proper patient-therapist relationship must be established before initiating telehealth services, which includes verifying the patient’s identity, obtaining informed consent specific to telehealth, and determining if telehealth is a suitable method to meet the patient’s treatment goals. Maryland telehealth regulations mandate the use of secure, HIPAA-compliant technology to ensure confidentiality and the protection of patient information during virtual sessions. Additionally, physical therapists are responsible for thoroughly documenting telehealth interactions, including assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes, in adherence to professional and legal standards. These requirements are designed to ensure that patients receive high-quality and safe physical therapy services via telehealth in Maryland.
Can Occupational Therapists Practicing in Maryland Use Telehealth?
Occupational therapists in Maryland are required to hold an active, unrestricted license issued by the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice. Before initiating telehealth services, occupational therapists must establish a formal patient-therapist relationship, verify the patient’s identity, and obtain informed consent specific to telehealth practices. The use of secure and HIPAA-compliant technology is mandatory to ensure the confidentiality and privacy of patient information during virtual sessions. Occupational therapists must assess whether telehealth is an appropriate modality for addressing the patient’s needs and achieving their therapeutic goals. Comprehensive documentation of telehealth encounters, including evaluation findings, treatment plans, and progress notes, is crucial to meet legal and professional standards. These regulations ensure the delivery of competent, ethical, and safe occupational therapy services via telehealth in Maryland.
Telehealth resources provide guidance, education, and information to occupational therapy practitioners who have an interest in providing services remotely.
Therapy Comply is a healthcare compliance firm that seeks to bring high quality web-based compliance guidance and one-on-one consulting services to small and medium size physical, occupational, and speech therapy practices.
State Occupational and Physical Therapy Telehealth Laws and Regulations: A 50-State Survey
The Center for Connected Health Policy conducted a scan of current state policy affecting occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) practice, supervision, and additional requirements for using telehealth.
The House Ways and Means Committee voted on May 8, 2024 to extend waivers that have allowed occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) along with PTs, SLPs and audiologists to provide services via telehealth in Medicare through December 31, 2026.
Physical and Occupational Therapy Telehealth Laws
Discover if a state is a member of the PT Compact and where someone can provide physical therapy with a Compact Privilege.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Washington DC
