Tennessee requires an in-person encounter before provider-based telemedicine

Tennessee's provider-based telemedicine rules require evidence of an in-person encounter between the provider and patient before an interactive telemedicine visit, with an exception only for an initial behavioral health evaluation. This established-relationship barrier prevents new patients from starting most telehealth care without first being seen in person, particularly affecting patients seeking new specialty or primary care via telehealth and providers trying to onboard patients remotely.

Source: Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP), Tennessee state telehealth page (2026).