Maryland’s Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) laws are designed to protect the integrity of healthcare by ensuring that clinical decision-making remains in the hands of licensed physicians. These regulations prevent corporate entities from owning, controlling, or influencing medical practices. In 2025, as telehealth continues to expand, Maryland’s CPOM laws significantly impact how telehealth operations are structured and managed. Understanding these laws is essential for ensuring compliance while delivering quality, patient-centered care.

Maryland’s CPOM laws significantly impact telehealth operations, requiring providers to navigate ownership restrictions, collaboration policies, and oversight requirements. Access Plus Health helps you understand these regulations and implement compliant strategies to expand your telehealth services in 2025. Trust us to support your practice’s success in Maryland’s evolving regulatory landscape.

What Are Maryland’s CPOM Laws?

The CPOM doctrine in Maryland restricts non-physician entities from owning or controlling medical practices to:

• Preserve Physician Autonomy: Clinical decisions must be made by licensed physicians without corporate interference.
• Protect Patient Care Standards: Healthcare decisions should prioritize patient outcomes over profit motives.
• Ensure Accountability: Physicians are directly responsible for the quality and safety of care delivered.

How CPOM Laws Apply to Telehealth Operations

1. Physician Oversight

Telehealth providers must ensure that Maryland-licensed physicians oversee all aspects of patient care, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and follow-ups. This extends to:

• Reviewing patient data collected via telehealth platforms.
• Approving all clinical decisions and actions taken through virtual care services.

2. Ownership and Management

Telehealth operations in Maryland must align with CPOM requirements:

• Clinical aspects of telehealth services must be controlled by licensed physicians or physician-led entities.
• Non-physician entities may only provide administrative support, such as technology management, billing, and scheduling.

3. Technology Use and Integration

• Digital tools, including AI-assisted diagnostics and wearable devices, must function under physician supervision.
• Telehealth platforms should support, not replace, physician decision-making.

Challenges for Telehealth Providers Under CPOM Laws

1. Licensing Requirements
   
   • Physicians providing telehealth services in Maryland must hold a valid Maryland medical license, even if operations span multiple states.
2. Contractual Ambiguities
   
   • Poorly defined Management Services Agreements (MSAs) can blur the lines between administrative and clinical roles, risking non-compliance.
3. Multi-State Operations
   
   • Telehealth companies operating across state lines face the challenge of reconciling Maryland’s CPOM laws with differing regulations in other states.
4. Emerging Technologies
   
   • Incorporating AI, remote monitoring systems, and wearable health devices requires careful oversight to align with CPOM principles.

Key Compliance Strategies for Telehealth Providers

1. Develop Robust Management Services Agreements (MSAs)

• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of physicians and corporate partners.
• Include provisions that explicitly prohibit corporate influence on clinical decisions.

2. Conduct Regular Compliance Audits

• Periodically review operational workflows, contracts, and technology use to identify and address compliance risks.

3. Train Key Stakeholders

• Educate physicians, administrators, and corporate partners on Maryland’s CPOM regulations and their implications for telehealth operations.

4. Leverage Legal Expertise

• Consult healthcare attorneys to ensure contracts and operations align with CPOM laws.

5. Monitor Technology Implementation

• Implement AI tools and telehealth platforms in a way that supports physician-led care and adheres to CPOM requirements.

The Role of Technology in Telehealth Compliance

AI and Machine Learning

• AI tools must act as support systems, aiding physicians in decision-making without replacing their authority.
• All AI-driven recommendations should be reviewed and approved by licensed physicians.

Wearable Health Devices

• Devices used for remote monitoring should provide data that physicians can review and interpret as part of patient care.

Telehealth Platforms

• Platforms must facilitate secure communication between physicians and patients while preserving physician oversight.

Benefits of Compliance

1. Enhanced Patient Trust
   
   • Compliance with CPOM laws demonstrates a commitment to ethical and patient-centered care, building trust among patients and stakeholders.
2. Legal and Financial Protection
   
   • Adhering to CPOM regulations minimizes the risk of fines, lawsuits, and operational disruptions.
3. Operational Efficiency
   
   • Clearly defined roles and responsibilities reduce conflicts and streamline workflows.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to adhere to Maryland’s CPOM laws can result in:

• Financial Penalties: Significant fines imposed by state regulatory authorities.
• Licensure Risks: Physicians may face suspension or revocation of their licenses.
• Reputational Damage: Non-compliance can erode trust and credibility in the healthcare community.

Future Trends in CPOM Compliance for Telehealth

1. Telehealth-Specific Guidelines

• Maryland may introduce additional rules to address the unique challenges of virtual care delivery under CPOM principles.

2. AI Regulation

• Expect clearer guidance on the integration of AI and machine learning tools into telehealth services.

3. Multi-State Compliance Solutions

• Telehealth providers may develop standardized frameworks to navigate the complexities of multi-state operations.

Maryland’s CPOM laws are instrumental in maintaining the ethical and professional standards of telehealth operations in 2025. For telehealth providers, adhering to these regulations ensures compliance while fostering trust and delivering high-quality patient care. By prioritizing physician oversight, leveraging robust contracts, and aligning technology use with CPOM principles, telehealth businesses can thrive in Maryland’s evolving healthcare landscape while upholding the integrity of clinical decision-making.