Bill
S 3359
Overview: Bill Number: S 3359, Title: Expands health care services provided by telehealth, Status: REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE, Introduced: January 27, 2025Purpose and Intent
Overview: Bill Number: S 3359, Title: Expands health care services provided by telehealth, Status: REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE, Introduced: January 27, 2025
Purpose and Intent: The main goal of this bill is to expand the range of healthcare services that can be provided through telehealth. The legislation aims to improve access to care, especially for patients in underserved or rural areas, by allowing a broader scope of medical services to be delivered remotely.
Key Provisions:
- Expands the definition of "telehealth" to include a wider range of healthcare services, such as mental health counseling, physical therapy, and chronic disease management
- Requires insurance plans to cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person care
- Allows healthcare providers to establish patient-provider relationships and prescribe certain medications through telehealth
- Directs the state Department of Health to develop guidelines and standards for the provision of telehealth services
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Patients, who will have greater access to a variety of healthcare services through telehealth, especially those living in underserved or rural areas
- Healthcare providers, who will be able to offer a broader range of services remotely and be reimbursed at the same rate as in-person care
- Insurance companies, which will be required to cover telehealth services at parity with in-person care
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been reported out of committee and committed to the Finance Committee for further consideration. If passed, the expanded telehealth provisions would take effect within a specified timeframe to allow for the development of implementation guidelines.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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