If you are licensed in your own state but the client is in another state, is it generally legal to practice?

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Multiple Choice

If you are licensed in your own state but the client is in another state, is it generally legal to practice?

Practicing telehealth across state lines hinges on licensure in the patient’s location. Generally, the service is considered to occur in the state where the client is located, so having licensure only in your own state does not automatically authorize you to treat someone in another state. To do this legally, you typically need to be licensed in the client’s state or have explicit authorization from that state’s licensing board for telehealth practice. There can be limited exceptions, such as emergencies or through interstate compacts, but these aren’t universal. So you must obtain authorization from the client’s state licensing board (or hold that state’s license) before providing care to someone located there.

Practicing telehealth across state lines hinges on licensure in the patient’s location. Generally, the service is considered to occur in the state where the client is located, so having licensure only in your own state does not automatically authorize you to treat someone in another state. To do this legally, you typically need to be licensed in the client’s state or have explicit authorization from that state’s licensing board for telehealth practice. There can be limited exceptions, such as emergencies or through interstate compacts, but these aren’t universal. So you must obtain authorization from the client’s state licensing board (or hold that state’s license) before providing care to someone located there.

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