In telehealth practice across state lines, which state's licensure typically governs whether the session is lawful?

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Multiple Choice

In telehealth practice across state lines, which state's licensure typically governs whether the session is lawful?

In telehealth, licensure is determined by where the patient is located during the session. State practice acts regulate the delivery of mental health services, and the usual rule is that a clinician must hold a license in the patient’s state to lawfully provide care there. So even if you’re licensed in your own state, you need a license in the state where the client is located at the time of the session, unless there are specific cross-state compacts or temporary waivers in place. This is why the patient’s location governs the legality of the telehealth encounter.

In telehealth, licensure is determined by where the patient is located during the session. State practice acts regulate the delivery of mental health services, and the usual rule is that a clinician must hold a license in the patient’s state to lawfully provide care there. So even if you’re licensed in your own state, you need a license in the state where the client is located at the time of the session, unless there are specific cross-state compacts or temporary waivers in place. This is why the patient’s location governs the legality of the telehealth encounter.

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