Registration of out-of-state health care providers to provide telehealth services and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
If enacted, SB823 would amend existing state regulations governing health care provider credentials, particularly in the realm of telehealth. By streamlining the process for out-of-state providers to deliver services in Wisconsin, the bill is expected to potentially increase the availability of specialists and enhance patient care options. This legislative change may also introduce broader ramifications for local health care policies, requiring adjustment from both regulatory bodies and existing health care practices in the state.
Senate Bill 823 aims to facilitate the registration of out-of-state health care providers for the provision of telehealth services in Wisconsin. By allowing qualified health care providers from other states to offer their services remotely, the bill seeks to enhance access to health care, especially in areas underserved by local practitioners. Providers must register with the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and comply with specific criteria, including holding an active out-of-state credential that is unencumbered and not having a disciplinary history in the past five years.
The bill has spurred discussions concerning patient safety and regulatory oversight. Critics express concerns that allowing out-of-state providers to practice without a local credential may undermine the robust standards traditionally upheld within Wisconsin's medical community. Moreover, questions have arisen regarding the adequacy of malpractice insurance coverage for these out-of-state providers and how any disciplinary actions against them will be managed when they operate remotely from another jurisdiction. Proponents argue that the benefits of expanded access to care outweigh these concerns, especially in the context of increasing reliance on telehealth services.