Connecticut House Bill HB06707

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/17
• Refer: 1/24/17

Caption

An Act Permitting Telehealth Providers To Prescribe Certain Controlled Substances.

Impact

If passed, HB 06707 would significantly impact state healthcare laws by creating a more flexible framework for prescribing medications via telehealth. This change would likely expand access to necessary medications for patients who utilize telehealth services, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Furthermore, it reinforces the role of telehealth as a vital component of modern healthcare delivery, particularly in adapting to patient needs in various situations, including during public health emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 06707 is designed to amend section 19a-906 of the general statutes, thereby allowing telehealth providers to prescribe certain controlled substances classified as schedules I, II, and III. This modification aims to enhance the capabilities of telehealth services, ensuring that patients can receive medications during telehealth consultations without being hindered by regulatory constraints that typically restrict prescribing practices in the telehealth context. The bill seeks to address the increasing demand for remote healthcare services, particularly in light of challenges faced by patients who may not be able to visit a healthcare provider in person.

Contention

While the bill generally seeks to promote telehealth, there may be points of contention regarding the prescription of controlled substances through telehealth. Critics could raise concerns surrounding the potential for misuse or abuse of prescribed controlled substances without in-person evaluations, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight to ensure patient safety. Supporters, however, may argue that the benefits of improved access to medications outweigh the risks, especially when appropriate measures are in place to monitor the prescribing practices of telehealth providers.