The bill amends the Telemedicine Act to specify that a professional relationship for physical therapy services can only be established through an in-person examination. It modifies the existing language in Arkansas Code 17-80-403(a)(1) to clarify that, except for specific provisions, healthcare professionals at distant sites cannot utilize telemedicine for patients in Arkansas without an established professional relationship.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subsection (d) to Arkansas Code 17-80-403, explicitly stating that a professional relationship for physical therapy services must involve an in-person examination by the healthcare professional. This amendment aims to ensure that physical therapy services are provided with the necessary direct patient interaction, thereby enhancing the quality of care.

Statutes affected:
HB 1705: 17-80-403(a), 17-80-403