West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB348

Introduced
1/17/22  

Caption

Board Chiropractic Examiners rule relating to chiropractic telehealth practice

Impact

The anticipated impact of SB348 is significant as it legitimizes the practice of chiropractic telehealth, thereby enhancing access to healthcare services for patients who may have difficulty attending in-person sessions. This change is particularly relevant in the current healthcare landscape, where telehealth has emerged as a viable alternative for many practitioners and patients alike. By establishing specific rules governing telehealth practices, the bill also aims to ensure patient safety and service quality within these virtual care settings, reflecting a modern approach to treatment delivery that aligns with evolving healthcare standards.

Summary

Senate Bill 348 aims to amend and reenact section 64-9-1 of the West Virginia Code, specifically focusing on empowering the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to develop legislative rules concerning chiropractic telehealth practices. This shift acknowledges the growing importance of telehealth in providing healthcare services and updates the legal framework to accommodate these practices more formally within the state's regulations on chiropractic care. By providing the Board with authority to promulgate rules, the bill envisions a more standardized and regulated approach to chiropractic telehealth services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB348 appears to be generally positive, especially among advocates of telehealth and chiropractic practices. Supporters believe that by formalizing telehealth practices, the legislation will promote broader access to care and greater flexibility in how chiropractic services are delivered. However, there could be concerns regarding the adequacy of the proposed rules in protecting patient welfare and maintaining high-quality standards, which may lead to some skepticism from certain stakeholders, particularly those focused on patient safety.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for the general premise of telehealth expansion, potential points of contention may arise over the specifics of the legislative rules to be developed by the Board. Critics may argue for more stringent regulations to ensure quality control and patient safety amid the expansion of telehealth services. The debate could center around the balance between promoting innovation and ensuring that patients receive effective and safe chiropractic care through telehealth platforms, which are uncharted territory for traditional chiropractic practices.

Companion Bills

WV HB4187

Similar To Authorizing the Chiropractic Examiners to promulgate a legislative rule relating to Chiropractic Telehealth Practice

Previously Filed As

WV HB4187

Authorizing the Chiropractic Examiners to promulgate a legislative rule relating to Chiropractic Telehealth Practice

WV SB375

Board of Osteopathic Medicine rule relating to telehealth practice and interstate telehealth registration for osteopathic physicians and physician assistants

WV SB384

Board of Registered Professional Nurses rule relating to telehealth practice

WV SB353

Board of Examiners in Counseling rule relating to marriage and family therapist fees rule

WV SB350

Board of Examiners in Counseling rule relating to licensing rule

WV SB379

Board of Chiropractic Examiners rule relating to consideration of prior criminal convictions in initial licensure determinations

WV SB362

WV Board of Funeral Service Examiners rule relating to fee schedule

WV SB351

Board of Examiners in Counseling rule relating to licensed professional counselors fees rule

WV SB352

Board of Examiners in Counseling rule relating to marriage and family therapist licensing rule

WV SB390

Board of Occupational Therapy rule relating to telehealth practice requirements and definitions

Similar Bills

NM HB189

Chiropractic Licensing Changes

CA SB687

Chiropractors: animal chiropractic practitioners.

NV AB513

Revises provisions relating to chiropractic physicians and chiropractic assistants. (BDR 54-630)

FL H1077

Recognition of Chiropractic Accrediting Entities

OK HB2634

Professions and occupations; Oklahoma Professions and Occupations Act of 2025; effective date.

LA HB552

Provides relative to the scope of practice of chiropractic

NM SB110

Chiropractic Board Changes

FL H1063

Chiropractic Medicine