Oklahoma House Bill HB2798

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Health care; telemedicine; definitions; effective date.

Impact

By updating the definitions related to telemedicine, HB2798 is poised to impact state healthcare laws significantly. It emphasizes compliance with both state and federal regulations, such as HIPAA and HITECH, ensuring the secure and efficient transfer of medical information. This move is expected to facilitate greater accessibility to healthcare services, particularly for remote communities or patients with mobility issues, thereby enhancing public health outcomes across Oklahoma. Telemedicine is positioned as a legitimate and reliable alternative to in-person consultations, which could influence licensing and reimbursement practices in the healthcare sector.

Summary

House Bill 2798 focuses on enhancing and redefining telemedicine in Oklahoma by providing updated definitions and guidelines for its practice. The bill aims to ensure that telemedicine encompasses a broad array of healthcare services, allowing for effective diagnosis, treatment, and health consultations via technological means. A significant provision of the bill restricts the use of traditional communication methods such as telephone calls or faxes for consultations, mandating real-time audio and visual interactions for acceptable telemedicine practices.

Contention

While the bill presents many forward-thinking measures, it may also provoke discussions regarding the financial implications for healthcare providers and the potential limitation on certain types of interactions that patients may prefer. Critics might argue that by favoring synchronous communications, the bill could inadvertently restrict access to care for those less technologically inclined or without access to adequate technology. Concerns may also arise about the adequacy of training for healthcare providers in using telemedicine technologies to ensure a high standard of care.