Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following
words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following
meanings.
(1) Client--A consumer or proposed consumer of services.
(2) Client site--The physical location of the client
at the time the telehealth services are being provided.
(3) Facilitator--An individual at the client site who
assists with the delivery of the telehealth services at the direction
of the provider.
(4) In-person--The provider is physically present with
the client while a client contact or service is performed.
(5) Provider--An individual who holds a current hearing
instrument fitter and dispenser license under Texas Occupations Code,
Chapter 402; an individual who holds a current apprentice permit under
Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 402; or an individual who holds a
current temporary training permit under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter
402 and has completed the direct supervision training requirements.
(6) Provider site--The physical location of the provider
at the time the telehealth services are provided which is distant
or remote from the client site.
(7) Telecommunications--Interactive communication at
a distance by concurrent and synchronous two-way transmission, using
telecommunications technology, of information, including, without
limitation, sound, visual images, and/or computer data, between the
client site and the provider site, and required to occur without a
change in the form or content of the information, as sent and received,
other than through encoding or encryption of the transmission itself
for purposes of and to protect the transmission.
(8) Telecommunications technology--Computers, smart
phones, and equipment, other than analog telephone, email or facsimile
technology and equipment, used or capable of use for purposes of telecommunications.
For purposes of this subchapter, the term includes, without limitation:
(A) compressed digital interactive video, audio, or
data transmission;
(B) clinical data transmission using computer imaging
by way of still-image capture and storage and forward;
(C) smart phones, or any audio-visual, real-time, or
two-way interactive communication system; and
(D) other technology that facilitates the delivery
of telehealth services.
(9) Telehealth--The use of telecommunications and information
technologies for the exchange of information from one site to another
for the provision of services to a client from a provider, including
for assessments, interventions, or consultations regarding a client
or for the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments. Telehealth
is also referred to as telepractice.
(10) Telehealth services--The assessment, intervention,
and/or consultation including the fitting and dispensing of hearing
instruments through telehealth to a client who is physically located
at a site other than the site where the provider is located. Telehealth
services is also referred to as telepractice services.
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