; and (4) the terms emergency area and emergency period have the meaning given such terms in section 1135(g) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1320b–5(g) ). 3. Temporary authorization of telehealth and Interstate treatment (a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal or State law or regulation regarding the licensure or certification of health care providers or the provision of telehealth services, a health care professional may practice within the scope of the individual’s license, certification, or authorization described in section 3(1)(A), with respect to mental health services, through telehealth, in any emergency area during an emergency period, based on the licensure, certification, or authorization of such individual in any one State, the District of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States. (b) Scope of telehealth services Telehealth services authorized by this section are mental health services provided to any patient regardless of whether the health care professional has a prior treatment relationship with the patient, provided that, if the health care professional does not have a prior treatment relationship with the patient, a new relationship may be established only via a written acknowledgment or synchronous technology. (c) Initiation of telehealth services Before providing telehealth services authorized by this section, the health care professional shall— (1) verify the identification of the patient receiving health services; (2) obtain oral or written acknowledgment from the patient (or legal representative of the patient) to perform telehealth services, and if such acknowledgment is oral, make a record of such acknowledgment