The state board of licensure for Mississippi physicians voted to temporarily ease some restrictions on telemedicine to avoid unnecessary travel for patients.

Board members met Sunday via telephone to make changes in response to the State of Emergency Proclamation of Gov. Tate Reeves.

Sunday’s actions will allow physicians the use of telemedicine to issue prescriptions or order the administration of medicine.

Previously state regulations required physicians to personally examine patients prior to issuing prescriptions.

“Because the Board knows many patients are required to travel long distances, both in state and out of state, to see their healthcare providers, adherence to this policy may result in unnecessary patient travel which may increase possible risks to patients and healthcare providers in this state of emergency,” the licensure board wrote in a news release.

Out of state physicians who wish to practice telemedicine for patients in the state must contact the licensure board to secure authorization, the statement said.

The changes will be in effect until the State of emergency in Mississippi is lifted.