Maryland Senate Bill SB398

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/22
• Refer: 1/24/22

Caption

Out-of-State Health Care Practitioners - Provision of Behavioral Health Services via Telehealth - Authorization

Impact

This legislation is significant as it modifies existing health care service laws, specifically those governing who can provide telehealth services. By allowing licensed out-of-state practitioners to treat patients in the state, SB398 potentially expands the available options for residents seeking behavioral health care, ultimately addressing some of the gaps in mental health service delivery. However, all out-of-state practitioners must adhere to the same standards as in-state providers, ensuring continuity of care and safeguarding patient welfare.

Summary

Senate Bill 398 aims to authorize out-of-state health care practitioners to provide behavioral health services via telehealth to patients located within the state. The bill intends to facilitate easier access to mental health services, especially relevant in light of growing demand for such services and the barriers posed by licensure restrictions. Under specific conditions, these out-of-state practitioners must hold a valid and unrestricted license from an applicable health care authority outside the state and comply with state regulations governing telehealth practices.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB398 may center on concerns about ensuring quality care and protecting patient rights, particularly as it relates to accountability for out-of-state providers. Some stakeholders may argue that without stringent local oversight, the quality of care could be jeopardized. Furthermore, there could be discussions about how to monitor compliance effectively and what recourse patients have should the care provided not meet the established standards. Balancing increased access to care with maintaining high quality standards is likely to be a point of contention among legislators and health care advocates.