MS SB2904

Redefines telemedicine as the practice of medicine using electronic communications, information technology, videoconferencing, or asynchronous store-and-forward technology between providers and patients in different locations, treating it as a method of practicing medicine rather than a separate form.

Establishes that the practice of medicine occurs at the patient's location and allows providers to offer telemedicine services if they act within the applicable standard of care, eliminating the prior requirement for separate telemedicine licensure.

Permits providers without an established provider-patient relationship to use appropriate telemedicine technologies to establish such a relationship, with the method determined by the provider's medical judgment and standard of care.

Requires providers to obtain and document relevant clinical history and current symptoms before treatment, obtain patient informed consent, and may prescribe non-controlled medications via telemedicine; providers must refer patients to in-person treatment when medically indicated.

Requires compliance with HIPAA and HITECH regulations, subjects non-compliant providers to discipline by the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure, and nullifies Board Rule 5.7 restricting telemergency medicine to Level One Trauma Centers; effective July 1, 2018.