summary
Introduced
02/04/2021
02/04/2021
In Committee
03/18/2021
03/18/2021
Crossed Over
02/22/2021
02/22/2021
Passed
04/07/2021
04/07/2021
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/04/2021
05/04/2021
Introduced Session
2021-2022 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance generally, so as to revise the "Georgia Telehealth Act"; to revise definitions; to authorize health care providers to provide telemedicine services from home; to authorize patients to receive telemedicine services from their home, workplace, or school; to allow for audio-only care under certain circumstances; to prohibit requirement that patient have in-person consultation before receiving telemedicine services; to prohibit more stringent utilization review requirements; to prohibit separate deductibles for telemedicine services; to prohibit requirement that health care providers use a specific telehealth platform or vendor; to prohibit additional restrictions on prescribing medications through telemedicine; to require documentation by health care providers for telemedicine services that equals or exceeds in-person consultation; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, the Georgia Telehealth Act, revises the state's existing telehealth laws. Key provisions include allowing healthcare providers to offer telemedicine services from their homes, authorizing patients to receive telemedicine services from their home, workplace, or school, and permitting audio-only care in certain circumstances. The bill prohibits insurers from requiring in-person consultations before telemedicine services, imposing more stringent utilization review requirements, or requiring the use of specific telehealth platforms. It also bans separate deductibles for telemedicine services and additional restrictions on prescribing medications via telemedicine. Healthcare providers must document telemedicine services at least as extensively as in-person care.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (7)
Sharon Cooper (R)*,
Spencer Frye (D)*,
Houston Gaines (R)*,
Matt Hatchett (R)*,
Jodi Lott (R)*,
Elizabeth Moore (D)*,
Kay Kirkpatrick (R),
Last Action
Effective Date 2021-05-04 (on 05/04/2021)
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