The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine (BORIM) recently issued two orders that update prior guidance regarding licensure of physicians from outside Massachusetts and telemedicine.
With regard to out-of-state physicians, the BoRIM extended its previous order that allows emergency temporary license applications for out-of-state physicians. The order has been extended through December 31, 2020, or 30 days after the governor’s order on this policy has expired or the state of emergency expires, whichever occurs later.
BORIM also has made permanent a previous temporary policy change regarding telemedicine: the practice of telemedicine does not require a face-to-face encounter between the physician and the patient prior to the initial telemedicine visit. Additionally, this BORIM policy clarifies that the standard of care applicable to a physician practicing telemedicine is the same standard as when the patient is seen in-person.
