HB 1617 Modifies provisions relating to telehealth

     Handler: Onder

Current Bill Summary

- Prepared by Senate Research -


SS#3/SCS/HCS/HB 1617 - This act repeals existing provisions of law relating to MO HealthNet telehealth, including provisions relating to MO HealthNet reimbursement for asynchronous store-and-forward technology, MO HealthNet telehealth rules promulgation, originating sites, and the Telehealth Services Advisory Committee.

This act requires the Department of Social Services to reimburse health care providers for telehealth services if such providers can ensure that the services are rendered with the same standard of care that would be provided in person. The Department shall not restrict the originating site through rule or payment as long as the provider can ensure the services meet the requisite standard of care. No payment for telehealth services shall depend on a minimum distance requirement between the originating and distant sites. Reimbursement for asynchronous store-and-forward may be capped at the reimbursement rate for services provided in person. Prior to the provision of telehealth services provided in a school, the parent or guardian of a child shall provide the necessary authorization.

Additionally, this act specifies that a health carrier shall not be prohibited from reimbursing non-clinical staff for services provided through telehealth if otherwise allowable by law.

These provisions are identical to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/HCS/SB 951 (2018) and HCS/SB 575 (2018).

SARAH HASKINS


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