Telemedicine

The Oregon Medical Board supports a consistent standard of care and scope of practice for licensees, regardless of the delivery tool or business method enabling provider-patient communication. Telemedicine is an important tool in the delivery of health care. 

See the Oregon Medical Board's Statement of Philosophy on Telemedicine for additional guidance.

To support our licensees practicing via telemedicine, here are a few principles to understand about the relevant regulations:

1. Telemedicine is not a separate form of medicine, but rather a delivery tool. It is the practice of medicine, through means of electronic communication or information technology between a health care provider at one location and a patient in another location. The same standards of care must be met regardless of the delivery method (in-person or via telemedicine).
2. The practice of medicine occurs at the patient's location. The Oregon Medical Board regulates the practice of medicine within Oregon, and (with some limited exceptions) an Oregon medical license is required when providing care via telemedicine for patients located in Oregon. Physicians and PAs with an Active status license or a Telemedicine status license may practice via telemedicine for patients located in Oregon. Active status acupuncturists may engage in the practice of acupuncture via telemedicine for patients located in Oregon. Oregon Medical Board licensees intending to provide care to patients outside of Oregon must check with the other state's licensing board regarding licensure requirements.
   
   Other State Resouces:
   
   • Washington Medical Commission: Telemedicine Policy
   • Idaho Telehealth Access Act
   • Medical Board of California: Practicing Medicine Through Telehealth Technology
   • The Federation of State Medical Boards: States with Episodic and Follow Up Care Licensure Exceptions Information. For more information on exceptions, contact the other state licensing board. The FSMB Directory provides a list of all U.S. medical boards.
     
   
   
3. When practicing via telemedicine, the licensee is expected to establish a provider-patient relationship and is subject to all the laws and regulations in the state where they are providing care. The Oregon Medical Board does not require an in-person visit to establish or maintain the provider-patient relationship; however, not all medical care can be appropriately provided via telemedicine, see the OMB's Statement of Philosophy on Telemedicine for additional practice guidance. There may also be applicable federal laws.
   
   
4. Oregon allows some limited exceptions for out-of-state physicians and physician associates to the requirement to hold an Oregon license.
   

• Consultation between two providers, see ORS 677.060(2) and 677.137(3)(a)
• Team physicians traveling with their out-of-state athletic team, see ORS 677.060(4)
• Emergency care, see ORS 677.060(5) and 677.137(2)
• Established provider-patient relationship with a person temporarily in Oregon for business, work, education, or vacation, see ORS 677.137(3)(b)
• Service through the U.S. Armed Forces, U.S. Public Health Service, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, see ORS 677.060(1)
• Temporary or intermittent follow-up visits for continuity of care if the patient regularly receives in-person care with that provider, see ORS 677.137(3)(c)
  
  A physician or PA utilizing these limited exceptions to licensure to practice medicine in Oregon is subject ORS 677 and OMB rules, including but not limited to the disciplinary authority of the OMB, while or as a result of practicing medicine as described ORS 677.137(3).