(

a) This

section does not limit, preclude, or otherwise interfere with the practices of other persons licensed or otherwise authorized to practice, under any other provision of this division, telephone medical advice services consistent with the laws governing their respective scopes of practice, or licensed under the Osteopathic Initiative Act or the Chiropractic Initiative Act and operating consistent with the laws governing their respective scopes of practice. (

b) For purposes of this chapter, “telephone medical advice” means a telephonic communication between a patient and a health care professional in which the health care professional’s primary function is to provide to the patient a telephonic response to the patient’s questions regarding his or her or a family member’s medical care or treatment. “Telephone medical advice” includes assessment, evaluation, or advice provided to patients or their family members. (

c) For purposes of this chapter, “health care professional” is an employee or independent contractor described in

Section 4999.2 who provides medical advice services and is appropriately licensed, certified, or registered as a dentist, dental hygienist, dental hygienist in alternative practice, or dental hygienist in extended functions pursuant to

Chapter 4 (commencing with

Section 1600), as a physician and surgeon pursuant to

Chapter 5 (commencing with

Section 2000) or the Osteopathic Initiative Act, as a registered nurse pursuant to

Chapter 6 (commencing with

Section 2700), as a psychologist pursuant to

Chapter 6.6 (commencing with

Section 2900), as a naturopathic doctor pursuant to

Chapter 8.2 (commencing with

Section 3610), as an optometrist pursuant to

Chapter 7 (commencing with

Section 3000), as a marriage and family therapist pursuant to

Chapter 13 (commencing with

Section 4980), as a licensed clinical social worker pursuant to

Chapter 14 (commencing with

Section 4991), as a licensed professional clinical counselor pursuant to

Chapter 16 (commencing with

Section 4999.10), or as a chiropractor pursuant to the Chiropractic Initiative Act, and who is operating consistent with the laws governing his or her respective scopes of practice in the state in which he or she provides telephone medical advice services.