FTC Staff Comment to the Delaware Board of Dietetics/Nutrition Regarding Its Proposed Telehealth Regulation

FTC staff submitted a comment to the Delaware Board of Dietetics/Nutrition regarding its proposed telehealth regulation that would require in-person initial evaluations of patients, and then allow licensed dietitians and nutritionists to determine whether to use telehealth thereafter. Staff stated that the proposed regulation could promote the use of telehealth, potentially enhancing competition in the provision of nutrition services, as well as reducing patient travel costs. However, because the proposed regulation also would require that all initial evaluations be conducted in person, it may unnecessarily discourage the use of telehealth and restrict consumer choice.