DEFINITIONS.

In this chapter:

(1) "Direct fee" means a fee charged by a physician or health care practitioner to a patient or a patient's designee for health care services provided by, or to be provided by, the physician or practitioner to the patient. The term includes a fee in any form, including a:

(A) monthly retainer;

(B) membership fee;

(C) subscription fee;

(D) fee paid under a direct patient care agreement; or

(E) fee for a service, visit, or episode of care.

(2) "Direct patient care" means a health care service provided by a physician or health care practitioner to a patient in return for payment in accordance with a direct fee. The term includes telemedicine medical services and telehealth services, as those terms are defined by Section 111.001, provided using a technology platform.

(3) "Direct patient care agreement" means a signed written agreement under which a physician or health care practitioner agrees to provide health care services to a patient in exchange for a direct fee for a period of time that is entered into by the physician or practitioner and:

(A) the patient;

(B) the patient's legal representative, guardian, or employer on behalf of the patient; or

(C) the patient's legal representative's or guardian's employer on behalf of the patient.

(4) "Health care practitioner" means an individual who holds a license, certificate, permit, or other authorization issued under this title to engage in a health care profession and who provides health care in the ordinary course of business or practice of a profession. The term does not include a physician.

(5) "Health care service" means any care, service, or procedure provided by a physician or health care practitioner. The term includes any medical or psychological diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, advice, or other service that affects the structure or function of the human body.

(6) "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine in this state. The term includes a professional association or professional limited liability company owned entirely by an individual licensed under Subtitle B.