Recent legislation in Massachusetts includes formalization of telehealth provisions. The Act includes a definition of telehealth to include "synchronous or asynchronous audio, video, electronic media or other telecommunications technology. . . for the purpose of evaluating, diagnosing, consulting, prescribing, treating or monitoring of a patient's physical health, oral health, mental health or substance use disorder condition.” The Medical Board has previously issued a policy that a face-to-face encounter between the patient and physician is not necessary prior to telemedicine services. The Act requires the Medical Board to allow credentialing and privileging by proxy.