Telehealth

  • Telehealth practice is a policy area experiencing rapid change, and anyone interested in practicing in this manner into Arizona should seek the counsel of an attorney. 
  • The terms Telehealth and Telepractice as used by the Board have similar statutory definitions:
    • A.R.S. § 32-2061(15) states: “ ‘Telepractice’ means providing psychological services through interactive audio, video or electronic communication that occurs between the optometrist and the patient or patient, including any electronic communication for diagnostic, treatment or consultation purposes in a secure platform, and that meets the requirements of telehealth pursuant to section 36-3602.  Telepractice includes supervision.”
    • A.R.S. § 36-3601(4) states in part:
      4. "Telehealth" means:
      (a) The interactive use of audio, video or other electronic media, including asynchronous store-and-forward technologies and remote patient monitoring technologies, for the practice of health care, assessment, diagnosis, consultation or treatment and the transfer of medical data.

      (b) Includes the use of an audio-only telephone encounter between the patient or patient and health care provider if an audio-visual telehealth encounter is not reasonably available due to the patient's functional status, the patient's lack of technology or telecommunications infrastructure limits, as determined by the health care provider.

      (c) Does not include the use of a fax machine, instant messages, voice mail or email.
  • If you are an Arizona licensed optometrist, it is your responsibility to know the laws under which you are authorized to practice. The language within the Board's chapters can be found on the Board's website under the Statutes and Rules tab.
  • Title 36, Chapter 36 of the Arizona revised statutes prescribes other requirements. This may, or may not, constitute a complete list of requirements to practice via telehealth. Please seek the advice of an attorney. 
  • An Optometrist license issued by this Board authorizes the licensee to provide the services of their profession to patients located within the borders of Arizona in person or via telehealth per the laws governing their professional practice under Title 32, Chapter 16 and Title 36, Chapter 36 et al. (Telehealth Practices)
  • If inquiring whether you are able to provide services via telepractice into another state, please contact that jurisdiction's licensing board/entity as laws and regulations vary from state to state. 
Telehealth Registry

Optometrists who are not licensed in Arizona and wish to provide healthcare services via telehealth to patients located in Arizona may wish to consider applying for the Telehealth Registry.  This registration is for telehealth only, and is not a license.   For more information regarding application for a full, independent Arizona license, see the Applications under the Licensing link.

If you hold an Arizona license, you do not need to be registered in the Telehealth Registry to practice via telehealth into Arizona. An Arizona license authorizes the licensee to provide their professional services to patients located in Arizona in person or via telehealth

  • The Registry is authorized by A.R.S. §36-3606.  
  • Visit the Registry Application page to apply. The application fee is $0.00. No fee required at this time. 
  • The registration must be updated annually, and specific reporting is required under A.R.S. § 32-3606(A)(9). There is no cost to update the registration. The annual reporting form is online HERE.  
  • See A.R.S. §36-3606 for requirements.  Please note, Board staff cannot provide an interpretation of statutory requirements.  Please do an internet search or consult an attorney regarding terminology in this statute.