Telehealth is transforming the healthcare landscape, offering improved access to care and convenience for patients. However, Maryland’s Corporate Practice of Medicine (CPOM) regulations impose specific requirements on telehealth providers to ensure that clinical decisions remain under the control of licensed physicians. This guide outlines how telehealth providers can navigate Maryland’s CPOM laws to achieve compliance and support growth in 2025.

Maryland’s CPOM regulations significantly impact telehealth expansion plans. Access Plus Health offers a detailed guide to help you navigate compliance requirements, ensuring your telehealth operations align with state laws. Let us help you grow your telehealth services while staying compliant in 2025.

1. How CPOM Applies to Telehealth in Maryland

Maryland’s CPOM regulations address telehealth in several critical areas:

• Physician Autonomy:
  
  • Licensed physicians must retain full authority over clinical decisions made during telehealth consultations.
• Licensure:
  
  • Providers offering virtual care to Maryland residents must hold valid Maryland medical licenses, regardless of their physical location.
• Data Privacy:
  
  • Telehealth platforms must comply with HIPAA regulations to protect patient information and ensure secure communication.

2. Key Compliance Requirements for Telehealth Providers

To align with Maryland’s CPOM framework, telehealth providers must address:

• Licensing:
  
  • Physicians must meet Maryland-specific licensure requirements and maintain active credentials to provide virtual care.
• Clinical Oversight:
  
  • Telehealth operations must include governance structures that ensure physicians oversee all medical decisions and treatment protocols.
• Technology Standards:
  
  • Platforms must be HIPAA-compliant, employing secure encryption and access protocols to protect patient data.
• Informed Consent:
  
  • Providers must ensure patients understand the nature and limitations of telehealth services, including any privacy risks.

3. Challenges Facing Telehealth Providers

Telehealth providers may encounter challenges in complying with Maryland’s CPOM laws:

• Cross-State Licensing:
  
  • Providers operating in multiple states must meet Maryland-specific requirements to avoid licensing violations.
• Solution: Implement credentialing systems to verify and maintain compliance with Maryland licensure standards.
• Corporate Influence:
  
  • Non-physician owners or stakeholders may inadvertently influence clinical decisions.
• Solution: Establish governance policies that protect physician autonomy in telehealth operations.
• Data Security Risks:
  
  • Virtual care settings require heightened cybersecurity measures to prevent breaches.
• Solution: Conduct regular HIPAA compliance audits and invest in secure telehealth technology.

4. Best Practices for Telehealth Compliance

To navigate Maryland’s CPOM laws effectively, telehealth providers should:

• Ensure Licensing Compliance:
  
  • Verify that all telehealth physicians hold Maryland licenses and are trained in state-specific requirements.
• Develop Governance Policies:
  
  • Clearly delineate clinical and administrative responsibilities to prevent conflicts of interest.
• Enhance Data Security:
  
  • Use encrypted platforms for virtual consultations and implement robust data protection protocols.
• Educate Teams on CPOM Regulations:
  
  • Provide training to ensure staff understand CPOM requirements and their role in maintaining compliance.

5. Preparing for the Future of Telehealth in Maryland

Maryland’s telehealth regulations are expected to evolve in 2025 to address new challenges and opportunities:

• AI in Telehealth:
  
  • Guidelines for using AI in diagnostics and decision-making support tools to ensure ethical and physician-led care.
• Expanded Licensing Requirements:
  
  • Stricter oversight for out-of-state providers offering virtual care to Maryland residents.
• Health Equity and Access Initiatives:
  
  • Policies promoting equitable access to telehealth services in underserved communities.

Maryland’s CPOM regulations ensure that telehealth operations remain ethical, patient-centered, and compliant with state laws. By adopting proactive compliance strategies, telehealth providers can navigate regulatory challenges, support growth, and deliver high-quality virtual care in 2025 and beyond. This guide offers a roadmap for telehealth success, emphasizing the importance of physician autonomy, data security, and patient trust in Maryland’s evolving healthcare landscape.