Relating to authorizing the Board of Occupational Therapy to promulgate a legislative rule relating to telehealth practice requirements and definitions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2310 allows West Virginia's Occupational Therapy Board to set telehealth rules, improving care standards for therapists and patients receiving remote services.

To House Government Organization

#legislature--rulemaking

Summary of House Bill 2310

Bill Number: HB 2310
Title: Relating to authorizing the Board of Occupational Therapy to promulgate a legislative rule relating to telehealth practice requirements and definitions
Status: To House Government Organization
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Legislature--Rule Making

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2310 aims to authorize the Board of Occupational Therapy in West Virginia to establish legislative rules concerning telehealth practice requirements and definitions. This legislation is designed to formalize and clarify the standards and practices for occupational therapy delivered via telehealth, ensuring that practitioners adhere to consistent guidelines.

Key Provisions

Authorization of Legislative Rule: The bill specifically permits the Board of Occupational Therapy to promulgate rules that define and regulate telehealth practices within the field of occupational therapy.

Reference to Previous Legislative Actions: The bill references a legislative rule that was filed in the State Register on June 4, 2024, and subsequently modified to address concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This rule was refiled on August 29, 2024, and is now authorized under this bill.

Scope of Telehealth Practices: While the bill does not detail the specific requirements or definitions, it sets the stage for the Board to outline what constitutes acceptable telehealth practices for occupational therapy.

Who Would Be Affected

Occupational Therapists: The primary group affected by this bill will be licensed occupational therapists practicing in West Virginia, as they will need to comply with the new telehealth regulations established by the Board.

Patients: Individuals receiving occupational therapy services via telehealth will benefit from clearer standards and practices, potentially improving the quality and consistency of care.

Regulatory Bodies: The Board of Occupational Therapy will gain the authority to enforce and monitor compliance with the new telehealth rules.

Procedural Timeline

January 29, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.

February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.

February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Government Organization Committee.

March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Executive Committee.

March 12, 2025: The Executive Committee recommended a "Do Pass" with a vote of 12-0-0.

March 27, 2025: The bill was held on the calendar for second reading.

May 31, 2025: The third reading deadline was extended.

Conclusion

House Bill 2310 represents a significant step towards modernizing the practice of occupational therapy in West Virginia by addressing the growing importance of telehealth. By providing a framework for telehealth practices, the bill aims to enhance the delivery of occupational therapy services, ensuring that both practitioners and patients are supported by clear and enforceable guidelines.