Online Prescribing
As used in KRS 311.595(9), “dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public or any member thereof” shall include but not be limited to the following acts by a licensee:
Prescribes or dispenses any medication:
- In response to any communication transmitted or received by computer or other electronic means, when the licensee fails to take the following actions to establish and maintain a proper physician-patient relationship:
- Verification that the person requesting medication is in fact who the patient claims to be;
- Establishment of a documented diagnosis through the use of accepted medical practices; and
- Maintenance of a current medical record.
For the purposes of this paragraph, an electronic, on-line, or telephonic evaluation by questionnaire is inadequate for the initial evaluation of the patient or for any follow-up evaluation.
SOURCE: KY Revised Statutes § 311.597. (Accessed Jul. 2025).
“Good-faith prior examination,” as used in KRS Chapter 218A and for criminal prosecution only, means an in-person medical examination of the patient conducted by the prescribing practitioner or other health-care professional routinely relied upon in the ordinary course of his or her practice, at which time the patient is physically examined and a medical history of the patient is obtained. “In-person” includes telehealth examinations. This subsection shall not be applicable to hospice providers licensed pursuant to KRS Chapter 216B.
SOURCE: KY Revised Statute § 218A.010(18). (Accessed Jul. 2025).
A practitioner-patient relationship may commence via telehealth. An in-person initial meeting shall not be required unless the provider determines it is medically necessary to perform those services in person as set forth in KRS 211.336(2)(a). A licensed health care practitioner may represent the licensee at the initial meeting.
See rule for additional requirements.
SOURCE: KY 201 KAR 17:110. (Accessed Jul. 2025).
A physician performing or inducing an abortion shall be present in person and in the same room with the patient. The use of telehealth as defined in 304.17A-005 shall not be allowed in the performance of an abortion.
SOURCE: KY Revised Statute Sec. 311.728. (Accessed Jul. 2025).
Veterinarians
A VCPR shall not be established solely by telehealth means. In the absence of a VCPR, any advice provided through telehealth shall be general and not specific to a patient, diagnosis, or treatment. Veterinary telemedicine shall only be conducted within an existing VCPR, with the exception for advice given in an emergency care situation until that patient can be seen in person by a licensed veterinarian.
SOURCE: KY Revised Statute Sec. 321.185, (Accessed Jul. 2025).
Counselors
A counselor-client relationship may commence via distance counseling. An in-person meeting shall not be required unless the provider determines it is medically necessary to perform those services in person as established in KRS 211.336(2) (a). A licensee using distance counseling to deliver counseling services or who practices distance counseling shall, upon initial contact complete certain tasks (see regulation).
SOURCE: KY Admin Regulations Title 201 KAR 36:045, (Accessed Jul. 2025).
Controlled Substances – Medical Cannabis
A bona fide practitioner-patient relationship may be established following a referral from the patient’s primary care provider and may be maintained via telehealth. However, a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship shall not be established via telehealth.
An initial written certification for the use of medicinal cannabis shall be provided during the course of an in-person examination of the patient by the medicinal cannabis practitioner. Subsequent written certifications, including for the purpose of renewing a registry identification card, may be provided electronically or during the course of a telehealth consultation.
For the purpose of applying for a registry identification card, a written certification provided under this section shall be valid for a period of not more than sixty (60) days. The medicinal cannabis practitioner may renew a written certification for not more than three (3) additional periods of not more than sixty (60) days each. Thereafter, the medicinal cannabis practitioner may issue another certification to the patient only after an in-person examination or an examination conducted via telehealth of the patient by the medicinal cannabis practitioner.
SOURCE: KY Revised Statute Sec. 218B.050, (Accessed Jul. 2025).
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