Updated on June 22, 2020. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
Vermont Medical Marijuana Program: Telemedicine
Rules governing telemedicine in Vermont for prescribing medical marijuana are changing. Patients interested in getting a medical marijuana evaluation conducted in the privacy of their own home, or location of their choosing, can access it via a secure real-time, live-video connection here: https://www.marijuanadoctors.com/medical-marijuana-doctors/medical-marijuana-telemedicine-portal/
On May 08, 2012, Vermont enacted Act 107, defining telemedicine as “the delivery of healthcare services such as diagnosis, consultation, or treatment through the use of live interactive audio and video over a secure connection that complies with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191, mandating the recognition and reimbursement of telemedicine services — telemedicine does not include the use of audio-only telephone, e-mail, or facsimile transmissions.
As per Vermont’s parity law, all health insurances plans, in the state — Vermont’s Medicaid and private payers, alike — must provide coverage for live-video telemedicine services at the same rates, as the equivalent service provided in-person.
On January 14, 2015, Vermont introduced potential legislation that would allow the state to join the Interstate Medical Licensing Compact, expediting a pathway to licensure for qualified physicians, wishing to practice telemedicine in multiple states.
As per the Vermont Medical Board, health care practitioners providing telemedicine services, are required to adhere to the same standard of professional conduct and practice, as healthcare practitioners of the same practice or specialty, providing services in-person — with the exception of prescription.
All health care practitioners providing teledermatology or teleophthalmology telemedicine services to patients in Vermont, are required to first document and record a patient’s informed consent, prior to commencing service.
All out-of-state health care practitioners intending to provide telemedicine services to patients geographically situated in Vermont must first obtain a valid medical license from the Vermont Medical Board, prior to commencing service — physician-to-physician exemptions, are permitted.
Vermont is one of sixteen states across the United States, to have an informed consent policy, for telemedicine.
Using Medical Marijuana Telemedicine Services in Vermont
Qualified medical marijuana patients please be advised that for the purposes of using medical marijuana telemedicine services online, in Vermont:
- The State of Vermont requires that, in order for a marijuana doctor to conduct a medical marijuana evaluation, the physician must first conduct a patient examination, in-person.
- Although patients may not see a marijuana doctor online for the initial visit, patients may choose to use medical marijuana telemedicine services online for all follow-up visits.
If you are a qualified Vermont medical marijuana patient who has already established a bonafide relationship with a medical marijuana doctor, and want to see a marijuana doctor online and on-demand now, via the medical marijuana telemedicine portal, please click here.
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