The bill establishes the "Uniform Telehealth Act" in Washington State, which provides a legal framework for the provision of telehealth services. It includes definitions for key terms such as "telehealth," "health care practitioner," and "disciplining authority," and outlines the scope of the act, which applies to telehealth services provided to patients located within the state. The act allows health care practitioners to establish a practitioner-patient relationship through telehealth, while emphasizing that such relationships cannot be formed through email or messaging services. It also stipulates that out-of-state health care practitioners can provide telehealth services under certain conditions, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Additionally, the bill mandates that health care practitioners providing telehealth services must adhere to the same professional practice standards as those providing in-person care. It prohibits disciplining authorities from creating different standards for telehealth services solely based on the mode of delivery. The act also includes provisions for the collaborative for the advancement of telehealth, which will study and make recommendations on telehealth practices and reimbursement. Notably, the collaborative's future will be reviewed by the legislature, and the section governing it will expire on July 1, 2025. The bill also includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remainder will still be enforceable.

Statutes affected:
Substitute Bill: 28B.20.830
Engrossed Substitute: 28B.20.830
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28B.20.830
Session Law: 28B.20.830