What CMS considerations apply to delivering mental health services via telehealth?

• A. Licensure verification is not required; Telehealth can use any platform
• B. Telehealth is excluded from parity rules
• C. Use HIPAA-compliant platforms, ensure privacy, verify licensure in applicable states, comply with reimbursement and parity rules; obtain patient consent for telehealth; document method
• D. Telehealth requires no privacy measures

Answer: (C)

Delivering mental health services via telehealth requires handling privacy, licensure, reimbursement, consent, and documentation in line with CMS guidance. Use platforms that are HIPAA-compliant, provide encryption, and have a business associate agreement in place to protect patient information and meet security standards. You must verify licensure in the states where the patient is located at the time of the session, since practicing without appropriate licensure can violate regulations. Reimbursement and parity rules require telehealth visits to be reimbursed similarly to in-person visits when applicable, so align billing with payer policies. Obtain patient consent for telehealth before or at the start of the encounter and document that consent. Finally, clearly document the telehealth modality used, session date and time, participants, location details, and any technical issues to ensure a proper record of how care was delivered. Statements suggesting licensure verification isn’t required, or that telehealth isn’t covered by parity rules, or that no privacy measures are needed, don’t align with CMS expectations and can compromise compliance and patient safety.