(a) For the purposes of this section, the definitions in subdivision (a) of § 2290.5 of the Business and Professions Code shall apply.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature to recognize the practice of telehealth as a legitimate means by which an individual may receive health care services from a health care provider without in-person contact with the health care provider.

(c) No PACE organization shall require that in-person contact occur between a health care provider and a patient before payment is made for the covered services appropriately provided through telehealth, subject to the terms and conditions of the contract entered into between the enrollee or subscriber and the PACE organization, and between the PACE organization and its participating providers or provider groups.

(d) No PACE organization shall limit the type of setting where services are provided for the patient or by the health care provider before payment is made for the covered services appropriately provided through telehealth, subject to the terms and conditions of the contract entered into between the enrollee or subscriber and the PACE organization, and between the PACE organization and its participating providers or provider groups.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision, this section shall not be interpreted to authorize a PACE organization to require the use of telehealth when the health care provider has determined that it is not appropriate.

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 782, Sec. 14. (AB 1733) Effective January 1, 2013.)