Urging The Department Of Health To Perform A Feasibility Study Of The Benefits Of Authorizing Reimbursement For Services Provided Through Telehealth By Way Of Audio-only Telephonic Communication.
The primary impact of SCR37 would be to enhance access to telehealth services for various populations, particularly the elderly and those with limited digital literacy who may struggle with online health care provisions. By authorizing reimbursement for audio-only telephonic services, the bill aims to ensure that patients, regardless of their internet access or technological proficiency, can obtain necessary health care services. This could significantly alter the landscape of how telehealth services are utilized within the state.
SCR37 urges the Department of Health in Hawaii to conduct a feasibility study on the benefits of allowing reimbursement for telehealth services provided through audio-only telephonic communication. This resolution highlights the importance of telehealth, particularly in the context of increasing access to essential health care for residents in regions where broadband coverage is inadequate. It notes that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, audio-only communication has proven vital for delivering health care, especially to those in rural and underprivileged communities.
The resolution also includes a stipulation that the Department of Health must report its findings to the legislature, including any proposed legislation that may arise from the feasibility study, by no later than twenty days before the regular session of 2024. This suggests an active engagement from the Department in assessing the viability and implications of expanding telehealth capabilities in Hawaii.
Despite its potential benefits, there may be contention surrounding SCR37 related to the implications of introducing audio-only services into established telehealth frameworks. Issues could arise regarding the adequacy of care provided through telephonic means, as well as concerns over reimbursement models that prioritize one form of service delivery over others. Balancing these new reimbursement practices with existing regulations and ensuring the quality of care remains a focal point for discussions among stakeholders.