The State of Montana defines telemedicine as the provision of health care services, by means of real-time interactive audio, video or telecommunications technology — including, but not limited to, store-and-forward technology — between a health care practitioner and patient, each situated at different geographical locations.
In Montana, there is no specific set of practice standard requirements, defined by law, however, the law does require that telemedicine practice standards be reflective, of the in-person service requirements.
In 2013, Montana legislature enacted parity laws, requiring Montana Medicaid, state health employee plans, and private payers alike, to recognize and reimburse telemedicine services, at the same rates as the equivalent health care service provided in-person.
As per the Montana Medical Board, health care practitioners providing telemedicine services, are required to adhere to the same standard of professional conduct and practice, as health care practitioners of the same practice or specialty, providing services in-person — at this time, there is no specific reference to internet prescribing, in the state policies.
Montana requires all health care practitioners providing telemedicine services, to first establish a physician-patient relationship with a patient, prior to providing a diagnosis or treatment — however, telemedicine may be used to satisfy this requirement.
Montana requires all out-of-state health care practitioners, intending to provide telemedicine services to patients geographically situated in the state of Montana, must first obtain a valid medical license, from the Montana Medical Board, prior to commencing service — however, physician-to-physician (P2P) exemptions apply.