Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.
Summary
Bill A01691 aims to amend the public health law to expand telehealth services in New York. It specifically allows for reimbursement of health care services delivered via telehealth on the same basis as in-person services, particularly for services provided by facilities designated as federally qualified health centers. The bill also includes provisions for audio-only telehealth communication, contingent upon federal financial participation. The intent is to enhance access to healthcare services, especially in underserved areas, by leveraging telehealth technologies.
Impact
The bill will significantly impact state laws by broadening the scope of telehealth services eligible for reimbursement under Medicaid and commercial insurance. This includes services provided through federally qualified health centers, which may improve healthcare access for populations that rely on these facilities. The amendments will also ensure that telehealth services are reimbursed at rates equivalent to in-person visits, thereby incentivizing providers to offer telehealth options.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A01691 appears to be positive, as indicated by the unanimous support in the Assembly Health Committee, where it received 23 votes in favor with no opposition. This suggests a strong bipartisan agreement on the importance of expanding telehealth services to improve healthcare access.
Contention
While there seems to be broad support for the bill, potential points of contention could arise regarding the specifics of reimbursement rates and the inclusion of certain telehealth modalities. Some stakeholders may have concerns about the financial implications for healthcare providers and the adequacy of federal support for the expanded telehealth services.
Same As
Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.
Expands health care services provided by telehealth to include services delivered through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law that is eligible to be designated or has received a designation as a federally qualified health center, including those facilities that are also licensed under article thirty-one or article thirty-two of the mental hygiene law.
Permits certain registered pharmacy technicians to assist a licensed pharmacist in preparing prescriptions in facilities licensed pursuant to articles twenty-eight or thirty-one of the public health law, or a pharmacy owned and operated by such facility, under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist employed by such facility.
Adds services delivered, to individuals with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury, through a facility licensed under article twenty-eight of the public health law, to the requirement that telehealth services be reimbursed at the applicable in person rates or fees regardless of the location of the patient or the clinician.
Provides that no facility fee shall be charged for services when a hospital-based facility is a distant site for health care services delivered by telehealth unless the service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the service.
Provides that no facility fee shall be charged for services when a hospital-based facility is a distant site for health care services delivered by telehealth unless the service is provided by a health care provider not authorized to bill a professional fee separately for the service.