Practicing across state lines
Hello, First, let me start with the fact that I am in the process of applying for PsyPact but not yet approved. Second, I am in the process of building my practice up to full-time so I am interested in taking on as many clients as I can. OK, now the stuff:
I am located in southwest PA and was recently contacted by a prospective client who lives about an hour away in southeast OH. She is interested in seeing me in-person. She reports her area is very rural and there are very few practitioners with my skill set. I would not consider seeing her virtually until I'm approved by PsycPact. But, could I see her in-person since both of us would physically be in PA for the sessions? Is my best bet to contact the OH board?
Thanks in advance!
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Hello. We did significant research on this once telehealth started to be approved by insurance companies. Can we provider therapy to people in neighboring states? If a client goes to college out-of-state, can we see them via telehealth? What if a client is on vacation out of state and wants to have a session?
We found out that, while each state has their own regulations, they generally all require that the therapist be fully licensed in the state in which the client is physically located. If a person who lives in OH travels into PA for a session with a therapist who is licensed in PA, that is okay because the person is being seen in PA. It's just like any other health provider license. Imagine if an OH resident went to the emergency room in PA and a doctor said, "I can't treat you because I'm not licensed in OH." Wouldn't happen.
Be aware that you could not legally see the person via telehealth if the person is sitting in OH and you are not licensed in OH. Once you are approved for Psypact, you are okay.
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Hello, This is very helpful! Since I posted this I got in touch with the PA and OH boards. PA said it was up to OH. OH said exactly what you said. Ohio also said that once I have relationship established with the patient I can apply for a temporary liscene in OH to see the person by telehealth. Hopefully I will have PsyPact by then so it will be irrelevant. Thank you again!
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