1. (a) A person in or outside the state may not practice, attempt to practice, or offer to practice optometry in the state through telehealth without first obtaining a license from the board.

2. (b) An optometrist conducting a patient visit through telehealth

   1. (1) shall, before treating the patient, establish an optometrist-patient relationship verbally, in writing, or by conducting an in-person exam;
   2. (2) shall verify the patient's identity;
   3. (3) shall maintain confidentiality of patient records as required by state and federal law;
   4. (4) shall provide patient services through telehealth at the same quality as would be provided in person; if a patient service through telehealth cannot be provided at the same quality as it would be in person, the optometrist shall advise the patient in accordance with AS 08.02.130(c);
   5. (5) shall make or identify a diagnosis at the time of the patient visit;
   6. (6) may not determine an ophthalmic prescription used to correct a refractive error based solely on an examination conducted through telehealth;
   7. (7) shall provide complete patient records of a patient visit conducted through telehealth in a timely manner in accordance with state and federal law.

(Eff. 11/15/2023, Register 248)

Authority: AS 08.02.130, AS 08.72.110, AS 08.72.050, AS 08.72.278