Relative to licensure requirements for telehealth services and relative to licensure of physicians and physicians assistants treating patients incarcerated with the department of corrections.
The bill will impact existing state laws related to telehealth services significantly. By establishing clear licensure requirements for out-of-state providers, it helps facilitate better access to healthcare services for patients who are incarcerated, thereby addressing a critical gap in healthcare provision. The change is expected to ensure that these medical professionals meet the state's standards for practice, ultimately benefiting patient care. The bill also proposes that the office of professional licensure seek reciprocity agreements with other states to ease the licensing process for qualified practitioners from those states.
SB126 is an act that aims to amend the licensure requirements for telehealth services and the licensure of physicians and physician assistants specifically in the context of treating individuals who are incarcerated with the New Hampshire department of corrections. This bill seeks to streamline the process for healthcare professionals from out of state to provide services via telemedicine to patients located in New Hampshire. It requires out-of-state healthcare professionals to be licensed by the appropriate New Hampshire licensing body when providing these services, unless the patient is currently in the custody of the New Hampshire department of corrections, where different rules apply.
During discussions surrounding SB126, some concerns were raised regarding the balance between ensuring adequate healthcare access to incarcerated individuals and maintaining strict regulatory standards for healthcare practice. Critics of the bill may argue that while ensuring proper licensure is essential, excessive regulations could limit the ability of qualified professionals to provide timely care to those in custody, particularly in mental health scenarios. Proponents argue the bill will enhance the quality of care within the corrections system while also easing the process for out-of-state professionals to offer their services.