Telehealth Licensure: Navigating the Future of Cross-State Care

As telehealth continues to break down geographical barriers and expand access to care, licensure policies have become a critical issue for healthcare providers. Whether you're already providing telehealth services or looking to expand across state lines, understanding current licensure regulations is key to maintaining compliance and ensuring seamless care delivery.

At our Telehealth Licensure Center, we provide up-to-date information on existing policies and the changes on the horizon, helping you navigate the evolving landscape of telehealth practice.

Current Telehealth Licensure Policies

HHS Resource on Licensure

State-by-State Regulations In the U.S., healthcare licensure is regulated at the state level, meaning that providers must be licensed in each state where they practice, including via telehealth. Our resources offer comprehensive guides to state-specific telehealth licensure rules, outlining requirements for:

• Initial licensure for telehealth providers

• Renewals and maintenance of licensure

• Continuing education requirements specific to telehealth

• Telehealth-specific provisions in state medical boards

Policies in the Works: The Future of Telehealth Licensure

Federal Telehealth Licensure Proposals As telehealth grows in popularity, policymakers are exploring ways to make licensure more consistent across states. Several federal licensure initiatives are being proposed to reduce the complexity of state-by-state requirements, particularly for specialties like mental health and primary care, where cross-state access can make a significant impact. Stay updated on the latest developments in federal legislation that could streamline telehealth licensure across the country.

Telehealth Licensure for Behavioral Health and Mental Health Providers With the rising demand for mental and behavioral health services, lawmakers are considering expanding telehealth licensure flexibility specifically for mental health professionals. Proposed changes could include temporary or conditional licensure for providers addressing mental health crises across state lines, easing access for vulnerable populations. We provide insights into the potential impact of these initiatives and their implications for providers.

Emergency Preparedness and Telehealth In response to natural disasters and public health emergencies, many states have implemented temporary telehealth licensure waivers to allow providers to deliver care across state lines during crises. These waivers have been instrumental in expanding access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, policymakers are now discussing permanent changes to these emergency policies to ensure that telehealth access remains resilient in future crises. Explore our updates on emergency licensure waivers and proposals to make them a permanent fixture.

Stay Informed and Compliant

The landscape of telehealth licensure is rapidly changing. We help you stay ahead by providing:

• Regular updates on new licensure laws and policies

• Step-by-step guides to obtaining multi-state licensure

• Expert insights into how emerging policies will impact your telehealth practice

Whether you're navigating existing regulations or preparing for upcoming changes, our Telehealth Licensure Center is your go-to resource for staying compliant and expanding your telehealth services.

1. Most medical professionals are required to procure a license for every state in which they practice medicine. The location of the patient is a key component of medical licensure laws and regulations, and in most cases, the medical professional must be licensed or recognized by the State Medical Board in the state that the patient is currently residing in or traveling to in order to administer care.

2. In recent years, several states have elected to join interstate medical licensure compacts (IMLC). Currently, 29 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam have enacted IMLC agreements. Physicians licensed in IMLC states and territories are eligible for an expedited path to licensure in other IMLC states and territories.

   CTeL closely tracks licensure laws and regulations and keeps its members apprised of relevant policy updates for the following licensees:

1. Dentist and Dental Hygienist

2. Nurse

3. Pharmaceutical

4. Physician

5. Physician Associate

6. Physical Therapist

7. Occupational Therapist

Licensure Compacts in the Works:

1. Dietitians Compact*

2. School Psychologists Compact *

3. Respiratory Therapists Compact *