California Assembly Bill AB457

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/21
• Refer: 2/18/21
• Report Pass: 4/8/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 4/26/21
• Refer: 4/28/21
• Refer: 5/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 5/27/21
• Refer: 5/28/21
• Refer: 6/9/21
• Report Pass: 6/14/21
• Refer: 6/14/21
• Report Pass: 6/24/21
• Refer: 6/28/21
• Refer: 7/15/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/10/21
• Chaptered: 10/1/21
• Passed: 10/1/21

Caption

Protection of Patient Choice in Telehealth Provider Act.

Impact

The proposed changes will significantly affect California's health care landscape by ensuring that telehealth services are treated equitably to in-person consultations. This act outlines requirements for health insurers to provide patients with information about the telehealth services available and their rights regarding medical history sharing with primary care providers. A critical component of this legislation is to require insurers to offer a choice to patients receiving specialty telehealth services for mental or behavioral health, allowing them to continue with their existing provider if desired.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 457, known as the Protection of Patient Choice in Telehealth Provider Act, aims to enhance patient access to health care services through telehealth. The Act modifies existing laws regarding the licensure of healing arts professions and establishes new requirements for health care service plans and insurers when offering services via telehealth. Notably, the bill eliminates the previous restrictions concerning reimbursement for telehealth services, ensuring that health care providers are compensated fairly for services rendered through telehealth on par with in-person services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 457 appears to be generally positive, with support from various stakeholders who advocate for expanded access to health care services, especially in the wake of heightened demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new provisions are seen as a crucial step towards integrating telehealth into standard medical care. Nonetheless, there are concerns over potential abuses by corporate telehealth providers and the need for maintaining quality care in a digital format.

Contention

Points of contention may arise regarding the role of corporate telehealth providers and the extent to which third parties can influence patient choices. Critics may argue that while expanding access is beneficial, it might lead to diminishing the personal connection between patients and health care professionals. Furthermore, ensuring compliance with notice and consent requirements becomes essential to protecting patient privacy and ensuring quality of care.