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NCMB regulates the practice of medicine, which may be provided either in person or via telemedicine. When the patient is located in North Carolina at the time of care, North Carolina law applies.
Yes. The practice of medicine takes place where the patient is physically located at the time of care. Except in limited situations permitted by law, an NC professional license is required to provide care via telemedicine to any patient who is physically located in NC.
No. Care delivered via telemedicine must meet the same or similar standards of care as medical care provided to patients in person.
NCMB’s position is that, for telemedicine to be an appropriate method of treatment, the medical professional must be able to gather sufficient clinical information to provide care, including establishing a diagnosis, regardless of the specific methods used to gather this information. If a clinician cannot gather sufficient clinical information to provide care, then telemedicine is not appropriate for the patient in that circumstance. Read additional guidance in NCMB’s Telemedicine position statement.
Yes. The method by which medical care is delivered does not determine whether the licensed medical professional is subject to oversight by the North Carolina Medical Board.
You should seek treatment in person, such as at your primary care practice, an urgent care or an emergency room, depending on the severity of your medical condition. It is generally not advisable to follow up via telemedicine if a medical condition has not responded to the recommended treatment.