Can a physical therapist and patient be located in different states while treating via telehealth?

The ability for a physical therapist and patient to interact via telehealth while located in different states is primarily governed by licensing laws and regulations. Telehealth requires that the practitioner providing care is licensed in the state in which the patient is located. This is critical to ensure compliance with state regulations that govern healthcare delivery and protect patient safety.

When a physical therapist is treating a patient, they must adhere to the requirements set forth by the state licensing board where the patient resides. If the physical therapist is not licensed in that state, they could be operating outside of legal boundaries, which would raise significant ethical and legal concerns.

In contrast, options suggesting telehealth services may proceed without licensing or only under certain conditions can misrepresent the legal landscape surrounding interstate practices. The necessity of shared state jurisdiction is crucial in maintaining regulatory standards and accountability in healthcare delivery.