The bill amends the West Virginia Dental Practice Act by introducing a new section, 30-4-8b, which establishes comprehensive regulations for teledentistry. It defines essential terms and sets forth requirements for licensure or registration for dental service providers utilizing this medium. Key stipulations include that providers must be licensed in West Virginia, maintain professional liability insurance, and adhere to established standards of care. Notably, treatment cannot rely solely on online questionnaires, and certain procedures necessitate in-person supervision. A bona fide provider-patient relationship must be established prior to delivering teledentistry services, which involves reviewing the patient's medical history and conducting an in-person examination, with exceptions for emergent care and initial orthodontic diagnoses.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of patient safety and high standards of care by requiring that providers confirm patient identity, obtain informed consent, and document this consent in patient records. It mandates the involvement of a dentist of record in all teledentistry cases, prohibits advertising of teledentistry services by unlicensed providers, and includes disclaimers regarding the risks of orthodontic treatment. The legislation also outlines provider responsibilities in emergencies, the maintenance of patient records, and empowers the board to establish further rules for regulating teledentistry practices. Violations of these regulations may lead to disciplinary actions, ensuring compliance with the new standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-4-3, 30-4-8a
Committee Substitute: 30-4-3, 30-4-8b
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 30-4-3, 30-4-8b