Telemedicine and Medical Licensure — Potential Paths for Reform

Abstract
The rapid growth of telemedicine during the Covid-19 pandemic has focused renewed attention on the debate over physician licensure. Before the pandemic, states typically licensed physicians according to policies outlined in each state’s medical practice act, which dictate that physicians must be licensed in the state where the patient is located. This requirement creates substantial administrative and financial hurdles for physicians hoping to use telemedicine to treat out-of-state patients.