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Virginia law allows for optical prescribing via telemedicine

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Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, on Feb. 23, signed into law a bill that allows optometrists and ophthalmologists to see patients and issue optical prescriptions via telemedicine.

“For the purpose of a [provider prescribing spectacles, eyeglasses, lenses or contact lenses to a patient, a provider shall establish a bona fide provider-patient relationship be an examination in person; through face-to-face interactive, two-way, real-time communication; or store and forward technologies,” according to HB 1497.

The provider must obtain an updated medical history and diagnose at the time of prescribing, the ophthalmic prescription must not be determined solely by an online questionnaire, and the provider must be actively licensed in the commonwealth and authorized to prescribe, among other requirements.

This bill applies only to prescriptions written after July 1, 2017.

Source: https://lis.virginia.gov