Featured Questions Highlight

Featured Practice Question

I am working with a physician in our neurology practice to open our own telemedicine company. I am already employed by a large medical group and this telemedicine company would be on the side. My question is: can I treat patients via telemedicine across state lines?

Unless you are licensed to practice in the state where the patient lives, you should be cautious in providing care for patients outside of California.  Even with the COVID-19 crisis, every state still requires registration or application specific to that state; several states did not change their licensing requirements. 

Additionally, you need to check with your liability company to confirm they will cover your practice in a different state – even if you are licensed there. Finally, you must be aware of the practice guidelines and regulations related to NP practice in another state. We are not experts in other state requirements and cannot advise on these.

The location of the patient’s insurance does not affect the state where the NP is licensed to practice.

The prescriptions written for patients outside of the state can be sent to a California pharmacy with branches outside of California. Most pharmacies will fill these prescriptions. This does not mean your NP license will be recognized outside of California.

Featured Legal Question

I work at a health center. Is it mandatory legally to have a licensed interpreter or have access to an interpretation service?

The translator does not have to be licensed but must be qualified. You must have a translator if someone does not speak English – Spanish translators are the easiest to find. If it is a language you do not have a translator for than there is assistance available by phone. 

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