N.J. Admin. Code § 13:35-14.22 - Telemedicine: licensed genetic counselor-patient relationship

(a) Prior to providing services through telemedicine or telehealth, a licensed genetic counselor shall establish a licensed genetic counselor-patient relationship by:

1. Identifying the patient with, at a minimum, the patient's name, date of birth, phone number, and address. A licensed genetic counselor may also use a patient's assigned identification number, Social Security number, photo, health insurance policy number, or other identifier associated directly with the patient; and

2. Disclosing and validating the licensed genetic counselor's identity, license, title, and, if applicable, specialty and board certifications.

(b) Prior to an initial contact with a patient for the purpose of providing services to the patient using telemedicine or telehealth, a licensed genetic counselor shall review the patient's history and any available records.

(c) Prior to initiating contact with a patient for the purpose of providing services through telemedicine or telehealth, a licensed genetic counselor shall determine whether he or she will be able to provide the same standard of care using telemedicine or telehealth as would be provided if the services were provided in person. The licensed genetic counselor shall make this determination prior to each unique patient encounter.

(d) Notwithstanding (a), (b), and (c) above, service may be provided through telemedicine or telehealth without a proper licensed genetic counselor-patient relationship if:

1. The provision of services is for informal consultations with another healthcare provider performed by a licensed genetic counselor outside the context of a contractual relationship, or on an irregular or infrequent basis, without the expectation or exchange of direct or indirect compensation;

2. The provision of services is during episodic consultations by a medical specialist located in another jurisdiction who provides consultation services, upon request, to a licensed genetic counselor in this State;

3. A licensed genetic counselor furnishes medical assistance in response to an emergency or disaster, provided that there is no charge for the medical assistance; or

4. A substitute licensed genetic counselor, who is acting on behalf of an absent licensed genetic counselor, provides health care services on an on-call or cross-coverage basis, provided that the absent licensed genetic counselor has designated the substitute licensed genetic counselor as an on-call licensed genetic counselor or cross-coverage service provider.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:35-14.22

Adopted by 52 N.J.R. 1913(a), effective 10/19/2020