Existing law requires a third-party payer who is not an industrial insurer to cover services provided through telehealth, except for services provided through audio-only interaction, in the same amount as services provided in person or by other means. (NRS 422.2721, 689A.0463, 689B.0369, 689C.195, 695A.265, 695B.1904, 695C.1708, 695D.216, 695G.162) However, existing law provides for the expiration of the requirement: (1) as it applies to services other than mental health services, 1 year after the termination of the emergency declared for COVID-19 or on June 30, 2023, whichever is earlier; and (2) as it applies to mental health services, on June 30, 2023. (Chapter 479, Statutes of Nevada 2021, at page 3046) The Declaration of Emergency for COVID-19 was terminated on May 20, 2022. (Proclamation Terminating Declaration of Emergency Related to COVID-19, May 18, 2022) Therefore, the requirement for certain third-party payers to cover services provided through telehealth, except for services provided through audio-only interaction, in the same amount as services provided in person or by other means expires: (1) as it applies to services other than mental health services, on May 20, 2023; and (2) as it applies to mental health services, on June 30, 2023. (Section 17 of chapter 479, Statutes of Nevada 2021, at page 3046) Sections 2 and 4 of this bill retain the requirement that a third-party payer who is not an industrial insurer cover services provided through telehealth, except for services provided through audio-only interaction, in the same amount as services provided in person or by other means until July 1, 2023. On that date, sections 1-1.9 of this bill retain that requirement with respect to: (1) services delivered through means other than audio-only interaction to patients at certain originating sites located in rural areas or by certain facilities; and (2) counseling or treatment relating to a mental health condition or substance use disorder. Sections 1-1.9 additionally require an insurer to provide reimbursement for counseling or treatment relating to a mental health condition or substance use disorder provided through an audio-only telehealth interaction in the same amount as if the counseling or treatment was provided in person or through other means.

Statutes affected:
Reprint 1: 689A.0463, 689B.0369, 689C.195, 695A.265, 695B.1904, 695C.1708, 695D.216, 695G.162, 422.2721
As Enrolled: 689A.0463, 689B.0369, 689C.195, 695A.265, 695B.1904, 695C.1708, 695D.216, 695G.162, 422.2721