New York regulators have put forward a set of rules for state-licensed providers treat patients via telepsychiatry — psychiatry treatment via live video conference, according to The Associated Press.
If the Office of Mental Health agrees to the proposition, mental health providers — including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychoanalysts, therapists, counselors, physicians, nurses, social workers and physician assistants — will be able to care for patients who can't be seen face-to-face due to distance constraints, time concerns or lack of nearby providers.
Email, fax services and phone calls won't be reimbursable under Medicaid. Providers must follow current regulations for prescribing medications to patients.
Currently, prisons and outpatient clinics licensed by the Office of Mental Health can utilize telepsychiatry.
Later this month, the regulations will be issued again and open to 45 days of public comment. The OMH will then make its final decision.