Telehealth
- What is an optometrist responsible for when delegating tasks to a telehealth assistant?
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Optometrists must ensure that any telehealth assistant or technician involved in patient care is properly licensed, credentialed, and trained in all delegated tasks. This includes verifying medical assistant credentials when MA-level duties are performed and maintaining documentation of credential verification, competency, and delegation protocols. The supervising optometrist is ultimately accountable for the quality, safety, and appropriateness of all delegated telehealth activities. WAC 246-827-0100; RCW 18.122.030; RCW 18.360.040; RCW 18.360.050
- What must patients be told about the limitations of telehealth?
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Before providing care through telehealth, optometrists must obtain informed consent that clearly explains the capabilities and limitations of the telehealth technology being used. Patients should understand how telehealth works, what it can and cannot accomplish, and when in-person care may be necessary. Informed consent must also include confirmation that telehealth is appropriate for the patient’s condition and disclosure of the practitioner’s credentials. RCW 18.134; WAC 182-501-0300.
- When is an optometrist required to refer a patient for in-person care?
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Optometrists must refer patients for in-person care whenever telehealth is insufficient to meet the standard of care or provide an adequate evaluation. If the patient’s condition requires physical examination, specialized testing, or contact lens fitting that cannot be performed remotely, the practitioner must arrange appropriate in-person follow-up or direct the patient to a qualified provider. Ensuring timely referral is the core component of safe and appropriate telehealth practice. RCW.18.56