W. Va. Code R. § 13-9-4 - [Effective 7/1/2025] Practitioner-patient relationship through telehealth

4.1. A practitioner-patient relationship may not be established through audio-only, written forms of communication, such as e-mail or text-based messaging, or any combination thereof.

4.2. If an existing practitioner-patient relationship is not present prior to the utilization of telehealth technologies, or if services are rendered solely through telehealth technologies, a practitioner-patient relationship may only be established through the use of telehealth technologies which incorporate interactive audio using store and forward technology, real-time videoconferencing or similar secure video services during the initial patient evaluation.

4.3. Once a practitioner-patient relationship has been established, either through an in-person encounter or in accordance with section 4.2 of this rule, the practitioner may utilize any telehealth technology that meets the standard of care and is appropriate for the patient.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 13-9-4