Allows an out-of-state health care practitioner to provide telehealth services to a patient located in this state if the services are consistent with the practitioner's scope of practice and state and federal professional standards.
The Uniform Telehealth Act would amend Title 23 of Rhode Island's General Laws regarding health and safety, specifically addressing the necessity for out-of-state practitioners to be registered effectively before providing telehealth services in the state. It outlines the process for registration, including the assurance that these practitioners maintain professional liability insurance and comply with the state's professional practice standards. By creating a framework for these out-of-state services, the bill aims to alleviate some of the barriers faced by patients in remote areas seeking healthcare.
House Bill H7149, also known as the Uniform Telehealth Act, was introduced to establish a framework for out-of-state healthcare practitioners to provide telehealth services to patients located in Rhode Island. This legislation aims to enhance access to healthcare by allowing licensed practitioners from other states to offer their services remotely, as long as they adhere to the applicable standards and regulations. The primary goal of this bill is to ensure that residents of Rhode Island can benefit from a broader range of healthcare services, especially in areas where local healthcare resources may be limited.
While this bill has supporters who believe it enhances healthcare access and promotes patient choice, there may also be concerns regarding the standards of care provided by practitioners registered from other states. Some state lawmakers may argue that the integration of out-of-state practitioners could undermine local healthcare standards or complicate the state’s oversight of healthcare services. The bill's supporters assert that the existing professional standards will provide the necessary protections for patients, but critics might challenge whether these standards can be uniformly maintained across state lines.