State Legislation –
mHealth Intelligence: (3/25) – The West Virginia State Senate unanimously passed an amended version of HB 2024, legislation that would include audio-only telehealth services and allow health care providers from other states to use telehealth to treat residents in the state so long as they are licensed and in good standing with their home state, are not under investigation or subject to an administrative complaint, and do not have a physical location in West Virginia. Health care providers are required to register as an interstate telehealth practitioner with the appropriate state board and pay a registration fee that does not exceed the cost of a license in order to practice in West Virginia. The bill now moves to the House for a vote before sending to the governor.
Palm Coast Observer: (3/24) – A Florida Senate health panel moved forward with two bills that could expand telehealth in the state. SB 864 would expand the definition of telehealth to include audio-only telephone calls, which are currently excluded from state law and regulatory rules. SB 852 would expand a list of Medicaid-optional services that are covered to include remote patient monitoring services and remote evaluation of recorded video and images. Both bills passed the Senate Health Policy Committee by unanimous vote.
mHealth Intelligence: (3/24) – The New York State Senate approved S2998A this week, a bill that would permanently allow coverage for connected health services delivered by certified recovery peer advocates and credentialed family peer advocates for substance abuse treatment. The bill now moves to the State Assembly for consideration.
State of Reform: (3/23) – The Texas legislature is considering SB 412, a bill sponsored and introduced this week by Senator Dawn Buckingham that would make current, temporary telehealth flexibility for Medicaid and CHIP recipients permanent.
Insider NJ: (3/22) – The New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations committee passed S-2559, which would require that reimbursement for telemedicine and telehealth services be equal to the reimbursement rate for the same services when provided in-person. Senator Vin Gopal, one of the sponsors of the bill, said telehealth appointments have been highly efficient and beneficial throughout the pandemic and payment parity should be incorporated for telehealth services.
mHealth Intelligence: (3/22) – The Arkansas State Senate approved an amended version of a bill that would allow health care providers to use real-time, audio-only telehealth platforms to treat patients. HB 1063, which now moves back to the House to consider the amended version, passed the Senate by a 19-11 vote.
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