HB 1196 Concerning audio-only telemedicine

WSHA strongly supports HB 1196 which adds audio-only telephone visits to the definition of telemedicine for payment purposes. This is to ensure access and equity for patients without broadband access or access to or comfort with computer or smartphone technology. The bill passed the House today 94-3 The one change included a removal of hospitals to charge a facility fee when the patient is in the hospital and connecting with a provider through audio services. SSB 5325, a companion bill, passed the Senate Health and Long-Term Care and the Senate Ways and Means committees and is currently in Senate Rules. Unlike HB 1196, SSB 5325 adds audio-only for behavioral health services only. (David Streeter, DavidS@wsha.org).