1. A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

2. B. Terms Defined.

   1. (1) “Certified registered nurse practitioner/psychiatric mental health (CRNP/PMH)” means a certified registered nurse practitioner who:

      1. (a) Is certified by the Board as a certified registered nurse practitioner in the practice of psychiatric mental health; and
      2. (b) Autonomously and independently engages in activities authorized by this chapter and in accordance with COMAR 10.27.07.

   2. (2) “Psychiatric mental health/advanced practice registered nurse (PMH/APRN)” means an advanced practice registered nurse who:

      1. (a) Is certified by the Board as a clinical nurse specialist in the practice of psychiatric mental health; and
      2. (b) Autonomously and independently engages in activities authorized by this chapter and in accordance with COMAR 10.27.12.
   3. (3) “Synchronous” means simultaneous or quick enough to allow two or more individuals to interact.

   4. (4) Teletherapy.

      1. (a) “Teletherapy” means the delivery of behavioral health services by a CRNP/PMH or a PMH/APRN at a location other than the location of the client through the use of synchronous interactive audio, video, audio-visual, or other telecommunications or electronic technology.

      2. (b) “Teletherapy” does not include:

         1. (i) An audio-only telephone conversation between the CRNP/PMH or PMH/APRN and a client;
         2. (ii) An electronic mail message between a CRNP/PMH or PMH/ APRN and a client; or
         3. (iii) A facsimile transmission between a CRNP/PMH or PMH/APRN and a client.

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§1-901, 1-902, and 8-205(a)(2)—(5), Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: July 29, 2019 (46:15 Md. R. 655)