Verified October 8, 2026 against the statutes and regulations cited below. Research, not legal advice. All states
What operators miss in Tennessee
- Tennessee plans must reimburse telehealth without regard to the patient's geographic location, but the statute does not require payment above the in-person amount.
- If transmitted information is inadequate, the physician must say so and refer the patient for an in-person exam or request more data.
Does Tennessee have a telehealth registration for out-of-state clinicians?
The osteopathic board may issue a telemedicine license limited to the holder's specialty. The medical board no longer issues new telemedicine licenses; legacy MD telemedicine licenses cover only medical interpretation, with no prescriptive authority.
- Name: Osteopathic telemedicine license
- Who can use it: Out-of-state DOs with an unrestricted license and specialty certification (or eligibility)
Citation: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1050-02-.17; 0880-02-.16
When can an out-of-state clinician treat Tennessee patients without a Tennessee license?
Telehealth providers must hold a Tennessee license; out-of-state clinicians may practice telehealth only as volunteers through a free clinic. No follow-up or physician-consult exception was confirmed.
Citation: Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-155
Can a patient relationship start by telehealth in Tennessee?
A physician may establish the relationship by telemedicine using secure video or store-and-forward, verifying the patient's identity and location and disclosing their own credentials. The board's definition of telemedicine excludes audio-only calls, email and fax. Patients under 18 need a facilitator present.
- Audio-only cannot establish the relationship
- Asynchronous care can establish the relationship
Citation: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-02-.14(7), 0880-02-.16(1)(g)
Does Tennessee require telehealth consent?
The telehealth relationship is created by mutual consent, which may be express or implied. No separate telehealth informed-consent requirement for physicians was found outside workers' compensation.
Citation: Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-155
What limits does Tennessee put on prescribing by telehealth?
Before prescribing by electronic means or over the internet, the physician must document a history and physical exam, a diagnosis, a discussed treatment plan, and follow-up coverage. Buprenorphine for opioid use disorder may be prescribed by telehealth only for listed treatment programs, health centers, hospitals or TennCare's network.
- Questionnaire-only prescribing is prohibited
- Buprenorphine for OUD by telehealth only when employed by or contracted with a licensed OBOT or OTP, community mental health center, FQHC, hospital, or TennCare's buprenorphine network (Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-155).
Citation: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-02-.14(7); Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-1-155
Does Tennessee require its own controlled-substance registration?
Do private payers in Tennessee have to cover telehealth?
- Private-payer telehealth coverage law
- No payment parity law
Citation: Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 56-7-1002, 56-7-1003
How does Tennessee treat the corporate practice of medicine?
Does Tennessee have a consumer health data law?
Comprehensive consumer privacy law in effect since July 1, 2025, for businesses with over $25 million in revenue that meet data-volume thresholds.
- Tennessee Information Protection Act
Adding Tennessee to your telehealth practice?
A State Expansion Pack applies Tennessee's rules to your service line and lists what changes in your workflow before the first visit. We also file telehealth registrations for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants.