State Telemedicine Policy Information
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North Carolina Telemedicine Policy
North Carolina Telemedicine Policy
Telemedicine remains an important resource that is still underutilized in North Carolina. Although there is no parity law in place, an innovative telepsychiatry program was implemented that will hopefully pave the way for more telehealth initiatives.
State Policy Overview
Medicaid
Yes
Private Payer
No
Parity
No
Additional State Telemedicine Info
Parity Laws
North Carolina introduced a telemedicine parity law in April 2015, but it did not pass.
Medicaid
Currently, North Carolina Medicaid will reimburse for medically necessary services delivered via live video telemedicine. There are several restrictions and conditions on care, including prior approvals. You can review those conditions here.
Type Of Telemedicine Covered
North Carolina Medicaid will reimburse for live video medical services and telepsychiatry services.
Covered Health Services
North Carolina Medicaid simply states that it will cover medically necessary services, including telepsychiatry and teledentistry, delivered via live video.
Eligible Healthcare Providers
North Carolina Medicaid states that healthcare providers who can be reimbursed for telemedicine are:
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Nurse Midwives
- Physician’s assistants
- Advanced practice psychiatric nurse practitioners
- Advanced practice psychiatric clinical nurse specialists
- Licensed psychologists Ph.D. level
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
- Community diagnostic assessment agencies
Online Prescriptions
North Carolina does not currently have any regulations on prescribing via telehealth.
Informed Patient Consent
While North Carolina does not require informed patient consent for telehealth, we recommend getting consent as a telemedicine best practice.
Cross-State Telemedicine Licensing
North Carolina requires that telehealth providers obtain a full license specifically required for telemedicine in the state of North Carolina. Unfortunately, North Carolina is not yet part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which helps to facilitate the licensing process for out-of-state providers.
Restrictions On Locations
North Carolina Medicaid will not reimburse telehealth services if the patient is located in a jail, detention center, or prison.