SECTION 112.130. Definitions Relating to Telehealth

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings.

(1) Client--A consumer or proposed consumer of services.

(2) Client site--The physical location of the client at the time the telehealth services are being provided.

(3) Facilitator--An individual at the client site who assists with the delivery of the telehealth services at the direction of the provider.

(4) In-person--The provider is physically present with the client while a client contact or service is performed.

(5) Provider--An individual who holds a current hearing instrument fitter and dispenser license under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 402; an individual who holds a current apprentice permit under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 402; or an individual who holds a current temporary training permit under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 402 and has completed the direct supervision training requirements.

(6) Provider site--The physical location of the provider at the time the telehealth services are provided which is distant or remote from the client site.

(7) Telecommunications--Interactive communication at a distance by concurrent and synchronous two-way transmission, using telecommunications technology, of information, including, without limitation, sound, visual images, and/or computer data, between the client site and the provider site, and required to occur without a change in the form or content of the information, as sent and received, other than through encoding or encryption of the transmission itself for purposes of and to protect the transmission.

(8) Telecommunications technology--Computers, smart phones, and equipment, other than analog telephone, email or facsimile technology and equipment, used or capable of use for purposes of telecommunications. For purposes of this subchapter, the term includes, without limitation:

(A) compressed digital interactive video, audio, or data transmission;

(B) clinical data transmission using computer imaging by way of still-image capture and storage and forward;

(C) smart phones, or any audio-visual, real-time, or two-way interactive communication system; and

(D) other technology that facilitates the delivery of telehealth services.

(9) Telehealth--The use of telecommunications and information technologies for the exchange of information from one site to another for the provision of services to a client from a provider, including for assessments, interventions, or consultations regarding a client or for the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments. Telehealth is also referred to as telepractice.

(10) Telehealth services--The assessment, intervention, and/or consultation including the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments through telehealth to a client who is physically located at a site other than the site where the provider is located. Telehealth services is also referred to as telepractice services.

Source Note: The provisions of this §112.130 adopted to be effective December 30, 2021, 46 TexReg 9025