The General Assembly has passed a bill to create the "Uniform Telehealth Act" as a new chapter (Chapter 77.1) in Title 23 of the General Laws, which sets the legal framework for telehealth services in the state. The chapter defines key terms related to telehealth and specifies its applicability to patients within the state, excluding services to patients outside the state. It authorizes practitioners to provide telehealth services within their scope of practice and professional standards, and allows for the formation of a practitioner-patient relationship via telehealth. The bill requires telehealth services to adhere to the same professional standards as in-person care, including prescribing, documentation, and privacy. It prevents state boards from imposing different standards for telehealth or restricting the technology used.

The bill also includes provisions for out-of-state practitioners to offer telehealth services to patients in the state, provided they meet certain conditions such as registration with the state board, holding a valid out-of-state license, and having professional liability insurance. The registration process is outlined, and the authority of the registering board to discipline registered practitioners for violations is established. The bill covers the duties of registered practitioners, the location of care, venue for civil actions, and rulemaking authority for boards. It emphasizes uniformity in application and includes a severability clause. The act is set to take effect upon passage.