Relating to telemedicine medical services and telehealth services covered by certain health benefit plans or provided by a pharmacist.
Summary
HB 1021 would revise Texas insurance and occupational licensing law to expand and clarify who may be treated as a “health professional” for purposes of telemedicine, teledentistry, and related services. The bill adds a new category of qualified mental health professional community services providers, including certain credentialed individuals with specified education, registered nurses, or people who complete an alternative credentialing process established by the Health and Human Services Commission. It also updates the Insurance Code definition to reflect these providers alongside physicians, dentists, and other licensed or certified professionals.
The bill further limits the authority of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy when implementing a pharmacist-related telehealth provision by prohibiting the board from requiring in-person counseling of patients. In addition, it applies the insurance coverage changes only to health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, while the act itself would take effect September 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 1021 would affect Chapter 1455 of the Insurance Code and Section 554.005 of the Occupations Code. It would broaden the statutory framework for telemedicine and telehealth coverage under certain health benefit plans, potentially increasing the range of professionals whose services may be recognized or reimbursed when delivered remotely. It would also constrain pharmacy board rulemaking by preventing an in-person counseling requirement in the telehealth context, which could expand remote access to pharmacist-related services and reduce barriers for patients and providers.
Sentiment
The available record shows the bill was referred to the House Insurance Committee and there were no recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts provided. Based on the bill’s subject matter, the measure appears to be framed as a telehealth access and modernization bill, with an emphasis on expanding provider eligibility and limiting unnecessary in-person requirements. Because no debate or vote history is included, there is no direct evidence of support or opposition in the provided materials.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to be the expansion of who qualifies as a health professional for telehealth coverage and the restriction on requiring in-person counseling by pharmacists. Supporters would likely favor broader access, more flexible workforce use, and fewer administrative barriers, while opponents may question whether the new credentialing pathways are sufficiently rigorous or whether limiting in-person counseling could reduce patient safety or oversight. The bill also leaves implementation details to the Health and Human Services Commission for alternative credentialing, which could draw scrutiny over rulemaking authority and standards.
Relating to the reimbursement and payment of claims by certain health benefit plan issuers for telemedicine medical services, teledentistry dental services, and telehealth services.
Relating to health benefit plan coverage of telemedicine, teledentistry, and telehealth services provided by only synchronous or asynchronous audio interaction.
Relating to conducting certain medical examinations using telehealth services and telemedicine medical services under the workers' compensation system.
Relating to rules regarding the provision by a health professional of a telemedicine medical service, teledentistry dental service, or telehealth service.