Summary
Updated guidance clarifying that prescribing requires a real‑time consultation (face‑to‑face, video or phone). Asynchronous chats, forms or emails are not a consultation. Flags specific risks when using AI or chatbots and sets expectations for safe virtual care.
Healthcare Implications
Clinicians and telehealth vendors should avoid ‘tick‑box’ prescribing and ensure patient‑clinician interaction before prescribing. Update triage/bot flows, consent, and documentation to reflect that AI/chat is not a consultation for prescribing.