Trending in Telehealth highlights monthly state legislative and regulatory developments that impact the healthcare providers, telehealth and digital health companies, pharmacists and technology companies that deliver and facilitate the delivery of virtual care.
Trending in February:
- Interstate compacts
- Telepharmacy services
- Veterinary services
- Telehealth practice standards
A CLOSER LOOK
Proposed Legislation & Rulemaking:
- North Dakota proposed amendments to the North Dakota Century Code related to optometrist licensure and standards for providing tele-optometry. The amendments delineate the circumstances under which a licensed optometrist may use telemedicine to provide care. Proposed practice standards include requirements to establish a proper provider-patient relationship and requirements related to informed consent.
- In Indiana, Senate Bill 473 proposed amendments that would allow providers to prescribe certain agonist opioids through telemedicine technologies for the treatment or management of opioid dependence. Current law only allows partial agonist opioids to be prescribed virtually.
Finalized Legislation & Rulemaking Activity:
- Ohio enacted Senate Bill 95, authorizing the operation of remote dispensing pharmacies, defined as pharmacies where the dispensing of drugs, patient counseling, and other pharmacist care is provided and monitored through telepharmacy systems.
- The Texas Health and Human Services Commission adopted an amendment to the Texas Government Code, requiring that providers be reimbursed for teledentistry services. The amendment allows flexibility for a dentist to use synchronous audiovisual technologies to conduct an oral evaluation of an established client. This change makes oral evaluations more accessible and prevents unnecessary travel for clients in the Texas Health Steps Program.
- The Arkansas governor signed Senate Bill 61 into law, authorizing the practice of veterinary telemedicine in the state. The bill includes practice standards for veterinary telemedicine and provision of emergency veterinary care.
- Also in Arkansas, House Bill 1427 enacted the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act. The act amends Arkansas law to improve maternal health and establish reimbursement procedures for remote ultrasounds.
Compact Activity:
- Several states have advanced licensure compacts. These compacts enable certain categories of physicians to practice across state lines, whether in person or via telemedicine. The following states have introduced bills to enact these compacts:
- Dietitian Licensure Compact: Mississippi, Kansas, and North Dakota.
- Social Work Licensure Compact: Mississippi, Maryland, and North Dakota.
- Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact: North Dakota and New Mexico.
- Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Compact: New Mexico.
Why it matters:
- States continue to expand practitioners’ ability to provide telehealth services across state lines. While telemedicine is often seen as an alternative method for care delivery, it can sometimes be the most effective and efficient option. Expanding interstate licensure compacts improves access to qualified practitioners, particularly in underserved and rural areas. These compacts also enhance career opportunities and reduce the burdens associated with obtaining multiple state licenses.
- States continue to apply telehealth practice standards to various professions. Legislative and regulatory trends reflect recognition that telehealth can be used in a variety of specialty practices, including veterinary medicine, dentistry, and optometry.
Telehealth is an important development in care delivery, but the regulatory patchwork is complicated.