Modifies provisions relating to telehealth services
The passage of HB822 is expected to have significant implications for healthcare delivery across the state, especially in rural areas where access to in-person medical services may be limited. By clarifying the terms surrounding telehealth, the bill seeks to promote more comprehensive adoption of telemedicine among licensed healthcare professionals. This is particularly beneficial during instances when patients cannot travel to facilities for in-person consultations, ensuring continued access to medical care. The bill mandates that all telehealth services follow the same standards of care as in-person services, thus ensuring patient safety and quality of care.
House Bill 822 aims to modify existing provisions related to telehealth services in Missouri. The bill's main provisions include the repeal of the previous section 191.1145 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) and the enactment of a new section that clarifies terminology related to telehealth and telemedicine. This includes definitions for terms such as 'asynchronous store-and-forward transfer' and the roles involved, such as 'healthcare provider' and 'originating site'. The intent behind these modifications is to modernize the legal framework governing telehealth practices, accommodating advancements in technology and changes in healthcare delivery methods.
While the bill seeks to improve access to healthcare services through telehealth, it may provoke discussion regarding accountability and quality assurance in telemedicine. There are concerns about ensuring that services provided via telehealth maintain clinical standards comparable to traditional in-person visits. Moreover, healthcare providers who are not based in Missouri may face challenges in providing services under this new framework, raising questions about licensure and jurisdiction. Stakeholders, including those in healthcare and legal fields, may have differing views on the adequacy of the provisions and their alignment with existing medical practice standards.