§34-22-81. Definitions.

For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) BOARD. The Alabama Board of Optometry created pursuant to Section 34-22-40.

(2) DISTANT SITE PROVIDER. The provider providing the telemedicine service from a site other than the patient’s current location. A distant site provider shall hold an active Alabama license pursuant to Section 34-22-20 or Section 34-22-21.

(3) ESTABLISHED TREATMENT SITE. A location where a patient shall present to seek optometric care where there is an optometrist present and sufficient technology and equipment to allow for an adequate physical evaluation as appropriate for the patient’s presenting complaint. The term requires an optometrist-patient relationship. A patient’s private home is not considered an established treatment site.

(4) FACE-TO-FACE VISIT. An evaluation performed on a patient where both the provider and patient are at the same physical location or where the patient is at an established treatment site.

(5) IN-PERSON EVALUATION. A patient evaluation conducted by a provider who is at the same physical location as the location of the patient.

(6) PROVIDER. An optometrist holding an active Alabama license pursuant to Section 34-22-20 or Section 34-22-21.

(7) TELEMEDICINE. A health service that is delivered by a licensed optometrist acting within the scope of his or her license and that requires the use of advanced telecommunications technology, other than telephone or facsimile technology, including all of the following:

a. Compressed digital interactive video, audio, or data transmission.

b. Clinical data transmission using computer imaging by way of still image capture and store and forward.

c. Other technology that facilitates access to health care services or optometric specialty expertise.

(Act 98-495, p. 956, §2; Act 2014-339, §1.)