Rural Health Care, Physician Licensure in Telemedicine

This delivery of healthcare services via telemedicine should be consistent with the principles of ethical medical practice. Regulation should not unduly restrict accessibility of telemedicine services, but appropriate licensure should be assured to protect the patient and the referring physician. The AAFP opposes the creation of unreasonable barriers to the practice of telemedicine across state borders by state licensing boards; however, full legal accountability for the ordering and interpreting of telemedicine services must be maintained. Family physicians should have full discretion in selecting the most appropriate consultants for their patients. (1994) (2005)