The inclusion of athletic trainers as recognized healthcare professionals has the potential to significantly impact state regulations surrounding telehealth services. It allows athletic trainers to engage in telehealth practices, providing evaluations and recommendations to patients remotely. This change will likely enhance the healthcare options available to individuals involved in sports, particularly students and athletes who might not have immediate access to traditional healthcare facilities. The legislation could set a precedent for integrating more specialized health services into telehealth.
Summary
SB1585 is an amendment to the Telehealth Act introduced by Senator Bill Cunningham. The primary objective of the bill is to expand the definition of a 'health care professional' to include athletic trainers. By recognizing athletic trainers as healthcare providers within the context of telehealth, the bill seeks to facilitate greater access to remote healthcare services for patients who may require sports-related medical care and rehabilitative services. This inclusion aims to promote a broader utilization of telehealth systems across the state of Illinois.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for expanding healthcare access, there may be considerations and concerns from other healthcare professional groups regarding the scope of practice for athletic trainers. Some may worry about the adequacy of training and qualifications of athletic trainers to deliver telehealth services comprehensively. Furthermore, discussions could arise regarding payment structures and insurance reimbursements for services rendered through telehealth by athletic trainers, as the integration of new professions into existing frameworks often brings about logistical and regulatory challenges.