Counselors
Counselors
Source
A.12. TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
a. Use of Technology. When technology applications are used in counseling services, licensed professional counselors must ensure that: (1) the client is intellectually, emotionally, and physically capable of using the technology application; (2) the technology application is appropriate for the needs of the client; (3) the client understands the purpose and operation of the technology applications; and (4) a follow-up of client use of a technology application is provided to correct possible misconceptions, discover inappropriate use, and assess subsequent needs.
b. Explanation of Limitations. Licensed professional counselors ensure that clients are provided information as a part of the counseling relationship that adequately explains the limitations of technology applications.
c. Access to Technology Applications. Licensed professional counselors provide for equal access to technology applications in counseling services. (See A.2.a.).
d. Distance Technology Counseling Services. Licensed professional counselors who employ distance technology for counseling services must observe and demonstrate all aspects of client rights and welfare, client confidentiality, professional responsibility (including relationships with other professionals), procedures for assessment, and resolution of ethical issues reflected in the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice adopted by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling. Addressing and resolving any disparities between ethical or legally-mandated practices required in face-to-face counseling services versus distance technology counseling services is the ethical duty of the licensed professional counselor. Ethical standards for a licensed professional counselor who employs distance technology counseling services shall apply to client care and public protection regardless of the destination point of such counseling services unless otherwise prohibited by law. (See A.3.a.).
Social Workers
We are not aware of any specific rules and regulations of the practice of telemental health services for Social Workers.
Marriage and Family Therapists
We are not aware of any specific rules and regulations of the practice of telemental health services for MFTs.
Psychologists
We are not aware of any specific rules and regulations of the practice of telemental health services for Psychologists.
Psychiatrists
RULES OF THE ALABAMA BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS CHAPTER 540-X-15 TELEHEALTH
Alabama Board of Medical Examiners & Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama
“The Board of Medical Examiners does not currently have any statutes or rules in place that specifically regulate telemedicine vs. the traditional, in-person practice of medicine. There are federal regulations (such as HIPAA, DEA regulations, third-party payors) regarding telehealth that should be discussed with your attorney.
Physicians are held to the same standard of care irrespective of the modality of treatment. This includes rules concerning the establishment of a physician-patient relationship, the prescribing of controlled substances, general prescribing guidelines, and prescribing without having had a physical exam.”
Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.
Alabama Professional Regulation/Health & Safety Online Prescribing
“(1) It is the position of the Board that, when prescribing medications to an individual, the prescriber, when possible, should personally examine the patient. Before prescribing a medication, a physician should make an informed medical judgment based on appropriate medical history, the circumstances of the situation, and on his or her training and experience. This process must be documented appropriately. (2) Prescribing medications for a patient whom the physician has not personally examined may be suitable under certain circumstances. These circumstances may include but not be limited to electronic encounters such as those in telemedicine; admission orders for a patient newly admitted to a health care facility; prescribing for a patient of another physician for whom the prescribing physician is taking call; or continuing medication on a short-term basis for a new patient prior to the patient’s first appointment. (3) Licensees are expected to adhere to all federal and state statutes regarding the prescribing of controlled substances and all Alabama Board of Medical Examiners’ Rules regarding the prescribing of controlled substances. Author: Alabama Board of Medical Examiners Statutory Authority: Code of Ala., 1975, §§34-24-53, 34-24-293.:”
AL Admin. Code. r. 540-X-9-.11(2) & (3), (Accessed Sept. 2020).
Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.
Nurses
Alabama Board of Nursing
“Effective January 1, 2020, as a party state to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), Alabama issues multistate licenses to nurses and applicants who reside in the state and recognizes multistate licenses issued by other party states, for practice in Alabama. A nurse holding a multistate license is entitled to practice in any NLC party state, but must comply at all times with the laws of the state where he or she is currently practicing.”
“It should be noted that not every state in the US is an NLC party state; a map of participating states, as well as further resources related to the NLC, are available on the Nurse Licensure Compact website.”
Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.
Alabama Professional Regulation/Health & Safety Online Prescribing
“(1) It is the position of the Board that, when prescribing medications to an individual, the prescriber, when possible, should personally examine the patient. Before prescribing a medication, a physician should make an informed medical judgment based on appropriate medical history, the circumstances of the situation, and on his or her training and experience. This process must be documented appropriately. (2) Prescribing medications for a patient whom the physician has not personally examined may be suitable under certain circumstances. These circumstances may include but not be limited to electronic encounters such as those in telemedicine; admission orders for a patient newly admitted to a health care facility; prescribing for a patient of another physician for whom the prescribing physician is taking call; or continuing medication on a short-term basis for a new patient prior to the patient’s first appointment. (3) Licensees are expected to adhere to all federal and state statutes regarding the prescribing of controlled substances and all Alabama Board of Medical Examiners’ Rules regarding the prescribing of controlled substances. Author: Alabama Board of Medical Examiners Statutory Authority: Code of Ala., 1975, §§34-24-53, 34-24-293.”
AL Admin. Code. r. 540-X-9-.11(2) & (3), (Accessed Sept. 2020).
Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.
Medicaid Telehealth Parity Law
Source: The Alabama Medicaid Provider Billing Manual
Video sessions are reimbursed
Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.
Private Pay Telehealth Parity Law
We are not aware of any parity law.
Payment Parity
We are not aware of any explicit payment parity.
*Clinicians who have had an experience with telehealth reimbursement in this state are invited to share their experiences in the comments section below: a) type of service provided; b) insurance provider; c) payment parity, payment issues, or insurance requirements.
Permission for the Temporary Practice of Clinicians Licensed Outside the State
Counselors - 30 days Alabama Code Title 34. Professions and Businesses § 34-8A-3
Psychologists - 30 days Alabama Code Title 34. Professions and Businesses § 34-26-41(f)
Refer to the source provided for all requirements and limitations.
Social Workers
We are not aware of any specific rules and regulations of the practice of telemental health services for Social Workers.