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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2326 empowers West Virginia's Board of Respiratory Care to set telehealth standards, improving care quality for patients and guiding professionals in practice.

To House Government Organization

#legislature--rulemaking

Bill Information

Bill Number: HB 2326

Title: Relating to authorizing the Board of Respiratory Care 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 2326 aims to authorize the Board of Respiratory Care in West Virginia to establish a legislative rule that outlines the requirements and definitions for telehealth practices. This legislative move is intended to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding telehealth services, ensuring that they meet established standards for practice and delivery.

Key Provisions

Authorization of Rule-Making: The bill specifically authorizes the Board of Respiratory Care to promulgate rules related to telehealth practices. This includes defining what constitutes telehealth and setting forth the requirements that respiratory care professionals must adhere to when providing services remotely.

Modification of Existing Rules: The bill references a legislative rule that was previously filed and modified to address concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This indicates that the rule-making process is responsive to legislative oversight and stakeholder feedback.

Impact

Affected Parties: The primary stakeholders affected by this bill include:

Respiratory Care Professionals: Those practicing respiratory care will need to comply with the new telehealth standards set forth by the Board.
Patients: Individuals receiving respiratory care services via telehealth will benefit from clearer guidelines and standards, potentially improving the quality and safety of care.
Healthcare Providers: Other healthcare providers involved in telehealth may also be influenced by the definitions and requirements established by this bill.

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 the bill for passage (Do Pass) with a vote of 012-000-000.

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

April 11, 2025: The third reading deadline was extended to May 31, 2025.

May 31, 2025: The bill was re-referred to the Rules Committee.

Conclusion

House Bill 2326 represents a significant step towards formalizing telehealth practices within the field of respiratory care in West Virginia. By establishing clear guidelines and definitions, the bill aims to enhance the quality of care provided through telehealth, benefiting both practitioners and patients alike. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final shape and implementation of these provisions.

Bill