Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB553

Introduced
2/28/20  
Refer
2/28/20  
Refer
2/28/20  
Refer
3/9/20  

Caption

Provides relative to remote patient monitoring

Impact

If enacted, HB 553 will necessitate the Louisiana Department of Health to include remote patient monitoring services as a covered service under the state's Medicaid program. The law specifies that these services will be available to patients diagnosed with chronic conditions who have had significant healthcare service usage in the past year. Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for telehealth equipment, ensuring safety and compliance with applicable standards, which is crucial for the reliable delivery of remote monitoring services. This could significantly change how home healthcare is delivered in Louisiana, promoting more patient-centered care approaches.

Summary

House Bill 553, known as the Louisiana Remote Patient Monitoring Program Law, seeks to formalize and enhance the use of remote patient monitoring services through telehealth within the state's medical assistance program. The bill defines remote patient monitoring services as the utilization of telecommunications technology to deliver home healthcare, ensuring that patients with chronic conditions can be effectively monitored and supported in a home setting. This legislation aims to improve patient care quality while simultaneously reducing healthcare costs by preventing avoidable hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

Sentiment

Reactions to HB 553 have generally been positive among healthcare providers and advocates for telehealth, who view the legislation as a progressive step towards modern healthcare delivery. They argue it enhances access to healthcare for populations that may struggle with in-person visits, particularly those with chronic illnesses. Conversely, some dissenting opinions emerge from concerns about the quality and consistency of care that can be provided remotely, as well as the potential for disparities in access to technology that could affect patients in lower-income or rural areas.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 553 is the eligibility criteria for patients wishing to participate in the remote monitoring program. The requirement for patients to have a recent history of costly service use, such as two or more hospitalizations, may exclude some individuals who would benefit from remote monitoring but do not meet this threshold. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the reliance on Louisiana-based telehealth programs, which could limit options for services available to patients. These discussions highlight the ongoing challenge of ensuring equitable access to healthcare innovations while managing program implications.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB896

Creates the Louisiana Remote Patient Monitoring Program Law (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SB70

Provides relative to remote patient monitoring services. (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA A5609

Allows remote patient monitoring of pregnant patients; requires reimbursement for remote patient monitoring rendered to certain Medicaid beneficiaries.

LA S4358

Allows remote patient monitoring of pregnant patients; requires reimbursement for remote patient monitoring rendered to certain Medicaid beneficiaries.

LA SB758

Remote monitoring services for pregnant and postpartum patients; reimbursement.

LA A3699

Authorizes health care professionals to engage in the use of remote patient monitoring devices; requires health care insurance coverage by certain insurers for remote patient monitoring devices.

LA HB530

Provides for coverage of healthcare services provided through telehealth or telemedicine (RE1 SEE FISC NOTE SG EX)

LA SB426

Medical assistance services; state plan, remote patient monitoring.

LA HB1927

Department of Medical Assistance Services; remote monitoring services for pregnant and postpartum patients; reimbursement.

LA HB1976

High-risk pregnant patients; remote patient monitoring services available to patients.

Similar Bills

LA HCR88

Creates the Task Force on Telehealth Access

LA HB903

Provides for the Louisiana Telehealth Access Act

LA HB896

Creates the Louisiana Remote Patient Monitoring Program Law (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB589

Provides for Medicaid policies and procedures concerning telehealth services

LA HB304

Provides relative to health coverage plan benefits for physical therapy services delivered via telehealth (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB41

Provides relative to health coverage plan benefits for occupational therapy services delivered via telehealth (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA SB66

Provides relative to telehealth services. (1/1/24) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB1280

Provides for the Louisiana Telehealth Access Act