Is Telehealth Legal in California? What to Know Before a Visit

Yes. The Medical Board of California says there are no legal prohibitions on using technology in the practice of medicine, as long as it is done by a California-licensed physician and complies with state and federal privacy laws. The standard of care is the same whether you are seen in person or by telehealth.

The Board states that physicians who use telehealth to care for patients located in California must be licensed in California. The physician does not have to live in California, but must hold a valid, current California license. Other health professionals, such as nurse practitioners, are regulated by their own California boards.

You can check a physician's license on the Medical Board of California license lookup. The profile shows the license status and any disciplinary actions. Osteopathic physicians (D.O.) are listed with the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.

California Business and Professions Code section 2290.5 says that before health care is delivered by telehealth, the provider must inform the patient about the use of telehealth and obtain verbal or written consent. The consent must be documented. The same law says nothing prevents you from receiving in-person care during a course of treatment after you agree to telehealth.

DOC MD asks you to accept a telehealth consent before your first video visit and stores your acceptance. You can withdraw it in Settings, and you may choose in-person care instead.

Confidentiality laws and your right to your own medical information apply to telehealth just as they do in a clinic. Practical steps help too: join from a private room, use a trusted network rather than public Wi-Fi, and use headphones if others are nearby. Read a service's privacy policy so you know what it collects, who sees it, and how long it is kept. DOC MD's Privacy Policy and Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy describe this.

DOC MD, Inc. is a technology platform. It does not practice medicine. The care is provided by the independent treating clinician named when you book, and that clinician keeps their own clinical judgment. DOC MD is offered in California, Washington, Nevada, and Connecticut. A clinician treating you must be licensed in the state where you are located.

A video visit has no hands-on exam, and some conditions need in-person care. A standard primary care video visit on DOC MD is $89 per visit, shown before you book. See what a video visit can treat.