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Telehealth law in California (2026)

Practical rules for HRT and GLP-1 telehealth in California: async vs live-video, in-state clinician rules, Medicaid coverage, and which providers operate here.

Async prescribing

Allowed

In-state clinician required

Yes

Medicaid HRT

Covered

Medicaid GLP-1

Covered

What California telehealth law says

California allows asynchronous telehealth prescribing when an existing patient-provider relationship is established. Out-of-state providers need a California medical license. Medi-Cal covers FDA-approved HRT and (as of 2024 expansion) GLP-1 medications for eligible patients meeting clinical criteria.

How this affects your access

  • Async messaging-only programs: work normally in California.
  • Live-video telehealth: works in California regardless of async status, as long as the clinician is licensed appropriately.
  • Controlled substances (e.g. low-dose testosterone): require a one-time in-person visit OR follow the Ryan Haight Act exception. California may have additional restrictions on top of federal rules.
  • Compounded GLP-1: following the FDA shortage resolution, compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide require a valid medical-necessity exception. California-licensed pharmacies must comply with both federal and state regulations.

Providers operating in California

  1. 1Allara90/100Visit →
  2. 2Form Health89/100Visit →
  3. 3Knownwell88/100Visit →
  4. 4Midi Health86/100Visit →
  5. 5Elektra Health85/100Visit →
  6. 6Pollie (PCOS Specialist)85/100Visit →
  7. 7Plushcare GLP-184/100Visit →
  8. 8Tia Women’s Health84/100Visit →