Raised Bill No. 6562 is an act concerning telehealth, proposing amendments to Section 19a-906 of the general statutes, effective upon passage. The bill updates the definition of "telehealth" to exclude facsimile, audio-only telephone, texting, or electronic mail, except for audio-only telephone in specific cases involving in-network providers or those enrolled in the Connecticut medical assistance program. It expands the list of professionals eligible to provide telehealth services and requires out-of-state telehealth providers to maintain professional liability insurance. The bill also sets forth requirements for telehealth providers, such as determining patient health coverage, accessing medical history, adhering to the standard of care, informing patients about telehealth, obtaining consent, and documenting consent and revocation. It restricts the prescription of controlled substances via telehealth, with exceptions, and mandates electronic prescription submission for certain controlled substances.

The bill prohibits charging facility fees for telehealth services and outlines payment regulations, including accepting Medicare rates or the amount covered by the patient's health insurance. It requires financial assistance for patients who cannot pay and allows telehealth services in compliance with federal and state standards. The bill also ensures that telehealth providers are compensated equally to in-person services by health carriers and gives the Commissioner of Social Services the discretion to cover audio-only telehealth services under certain conditions. It repeals sections of public act 21-9 and related amendments, indicating a reorganization of the legal framework for telehealth services. The act includes new sections and repeals others, aiming to regulate telehealth responsibly and consistently with medical standards.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable:
File No. 54:
HS Joint Favorable: