“Telehealth Trends” focuses on state legislative and regulatory developments that impact healthcare providers, telehealth and digital health companies, pharmacists and technology companies involved in delivering and facilitating virtual care.
Past week trends:
- Insurance and Medicaid Reimbursements
- Behavioral and Mental Health
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Final legislation and rulemaking:
- in PennsylvaniaThe Governor signed SB 739, which amends Article 40 (Insurance) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Code to require health insurers and Medicaid and CHIP managed care programs to provide coverage for health care services delivered through telehealth using HIPAA-compliant technology. The bill provides a definition of telehealth and health insurance and Medicaid coverage requirements for telehealth services.
Proposed Legislative and Rulemaking Activities:
highlight:
- Delaware Issued proposed rules amending Delaware’s administrative regulations for professional counselors in mental health and substance abuse specialties to clarify that in-person supervision and counseling includes live videoconferencing.
- Arizona Issued a notice of rulemaking announcing its intent to amend the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners regulations to align with changes in the law by (1) revising the definition of direct client contact to include telehealth therapeutic or clinical care, (2) registering out-of-state providers of telehealth services, (3) removing the requirement for evidence of indirect client contact hours obtained during training for social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and addiction counselors, and (4) implementing the Interstate Compact for Licensed Professional Counselors.
Why is this important:
- States are expanding access to and coverage of telehealth services. Pennsylvania has expanded access to and coverage of telehealth services among insurers and across the state. Additionally, Delaware and Arizona are considering rules to include live videoconferencing in their definition of direct patient care.
