Oregon DCs – OBCE Telehealth Policy Update

March 31, 2020   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

To support licensees during this COVID-19 outbreak, the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners (OBCE) met on Sunday, March 29th, 2020, and clarified the Telehealth Rule (OAR 811-015-0066) to allow for Oregon licensed chiropractic physicians to utilize telehealth for both existing and new patients.  The text from the communication from the OBCE to licensed DC’s is included below and downloadable here.


Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Effective Date: March 29, 2020
Date approved/ratified: March 29, 2020

POLICY
OAR 811-015-0066, Telehealth Rule, allows Oregon licensed chiropractic physicians to utilize telehealth (electronic and telecommunication technologies) for the distance delivery of health care services and clinical information designed to improve the health status of a patient, and to enhance delivery of the health care services and clinical information.

The Board has determined that this rule applies to both existing and new patients. Chiropractic physicians can utilize telehealth for initial consultations and examinations provided that the following criteria and procedures are met, pursuant to all relevant administrative rules and statutes. Practitioners may want to seek guidance from their medical malpractice carriers and various coding authorities as to billing and other requirements.

PROCEDURES
1. Document telehealth visit start time.
2. Establish and document the reason for visit.
3. Establish and document primary complaint(s).
4. Ascertain if, after #2 and #3 above, a telehealth visit is possible. If so, go to #5.
5. Take and document personal, family, and medical histories.
6. Perform visual evaluations and document:
a. patients self-report height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse, if possible;
b. nutritional/dietary assessment;
c. postural analysis;
d. range of motion; and
e. any contraindications to providing services via telehealth.
7. Document and provide patient a provisional diagnosis.
8. Document and provide patient a report of findings.
9. Document and provide patient a PARQ and obtain consent to provide care/treatment.
10. Document and provide patient clinical recommendations.
11. Document telehealth visit end time.