Internet Prescribing and Practicing - Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it legal for my doctor to advise me over the Internet and/or telephone about my medical condition?
- Is it legal for me to order drugs/prescriptions/medications from the Internet?
Is it legal for my doctor to advise me over the Internet and/or telephone about my medical condition?
No. Business and Professions Code section 2290.5 describes telemedicine as the practice of healthcare delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of medical data, and education using interactive audio, video, or data communication. Neither a telephone conversation nor an electronic mail (e-mail) message between a healthcare practitioner and patient constitutes "telemedicine" for purposes of this section.
Is it legal for me to order drugs/prescriptions/medications from the Internet?
Business and Professions Code section 2242 states that, with very limited exceptions, prescription drugs must be prescribed by a physician after a "good faith" examination has been performed and a medical indication for the prescription has been determined. Ordering drugs without a relationship with a physician is potentially dangerous (click here for more information).
