This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by removing the requirement for an in-person visit prior to the provision of initial telemedicine services. Specifically, it deletes the stipulation that an established patient must visit an in-person healthcare practitioner within 12 months of using the initial telemedicine service, allowing for greater flexibility in accessing telehealth services. The bill also introduces new language to clarify the jurisdiction for documentation and confidentiality requirements, ensuring that health care records must comply with the legal standards of the state where the physician or podiatrist is primarily licensed and physically located.

Additionally, the bill outlines the standards and regulations for telehealth practice, including the necessity for healthcare practitioners to be licensed and registered appropriately. It emphasizes that the standard of care for telemedicine encounters must align with traditional in-person interactions, and it maintains restrictions on prescribing controlled substances and abortifacients. The proposed changes are designed to enhance access to healthcare through telemedicine while ensuring that patient safety and confidentiality are upheld.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-1-26, 30-3-13a