The proposed bill aims to establish the Teledentistry Practice Act in West Virginia, introducing a comprehensive framework for the provision of dental services through teledentistry. It includes definitions for key terms such as "teledentistry," "provider," and "emergent care," and outlines the necessary standards of care that providers must adhere to when delivering services remotely. The bill mandates that providers must be licensed in West Virginia and maintain professional liability insurance. It also emphasizes the importance of establishing a bona fide provider-patient relationship, requiring an in-person examination and informed consent before services can be rendered, with specific exceptions for emergent care and public health programs.

Additionally, the bill sets forth requirements for patient privacy, documentation, and the responsibilities of the dentist of record in teledentistry cases. It prohibits unprofessional conduct, such as failing to involve patients in treatment decisions or neglecting to perform necessary in-person examinations. The West Virginia Board of Dentistry is tasked with adopting regulations to govern teledentistry practices, ensuring compliance with evidence-based standards and disciplinary procedures for violations. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the safety and quality of dental care delivered through teledentistry while protecting patient rights and ensuring provider accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-4C-1, 30-4C-2, 30-4C-3, 30-4C-4, 30-4C-5, 30-4C-6, 30-4C-7, 30-4C-8, 30-4C-9, 30-4C-10, 30-4C-11, 30-4C-12, 30-4C-13, 30-4C-14, 30-4C-15, 30-4C-16, 30-4C-17, 30-4C-18, 30-4C-19