Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-801.3 - Telehealth visits

A licensee may provide physical therapy services to a patient utilizing a telehealth visit if the physical therapy services are provided in accordance with all requirements of this chapter.

(1) "Telehealth visit" means the provision of physical therapy services by a licensee to a patient using technology where the licensee and the patient are not at the same physical location for the physical therapy session.

(2) A licensee engaged in a telehealth visit shall utilize technology that is secure and HIPAA-compliant pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, PL 104"191, August 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1936, and any amendments as of December 8, 2023, and that includes, at a minimum, audio or video equipment or both, that allows two-way real-time interactive communication between the licensee and the patient. A licensee may use non-real-time technologies to prepare for a physical therapy session or to communicate with a patient between physical therapy sessions.

(3) A licensee engaged in a telehealth visit shall be held to the same standard of care as a licensee who provides in-person physical therapy. A licensee shall not utilize a telehealth visit if the standard of care for the particular physical therapy services cannot be met using technology.

(4) Any physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who provides a physical therapy telehealth visit to a patient located in Iowa shall be licensed in Iowa or have a compact privilege issued by the physical therapy compact commission.

(5) Prior to the first telehealth visit, a licensee shall obtain informed consent from the patient specific to the physical therapy services that will be provided in a telehealth visit. At a minimum, the informed consent shall specifically inform the patient of the following:

a. The risks and limitations of the use of technology to provide physical therapy services;

b. The potential for unauthorized access to protected health information; and

c. The potential for disruption of technology during a telehealth visit.

(6) A licensee shall only provide physical therapy services using a telehealth visit in the areas of competence wherein proficiency in providing the particular service using technology has been gained through education, training, and experience.

(7) A licensee shall identify in the clinical record when physical therapy services are provided utilizing a telehealth visit.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-801.3

ARC 7979C, IAB 5/15/2024, effective 7/1/2024; Editorial change: IAC Supplement 9/18/2024