H868 - Telehealth Licensure Reciprocity

• North Carolina Medical Board shall issue telehealth licenses to physicians holding full, unrestricted licenses in other states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories, provided they meet specified requirements.

• Applicants must have no current or pending disciplinary actions against their license, no disciplinary action in the prior five years, and must maintain professional liability coverage equivalent to North Carolina requirements.

• Licensed telehealth providers cannot maintain an office in North Carolina or provide in-person healthcare services in the state, and must practice consistent with prevailing professional standards of care.

• Telehealth providers are not required to review patient medical history or conduct physical examinations before initiating care, and must document services in patient medical records using the same standards as in-person care.

• Violation of requirements constitutes a Class 3 misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $500 per offense; the Medical Board may revoke the telehealth license and take disciplinary action.

• The act becomes effective October 1, 2021.