Bill > S1126

This bill amends, repeals, and adds to existing law to provide for virtual care access. The key provisions are: 1. It renames the "Idaho Telehealth Access Act" to the "Idaho Virtual Care Access Act" and updates related terminology throughout the law. 2. It establishes definitions for "health care services," "provider," "provider group," and "virtual care," which encompasses a variety of technology-enabled care delivery modalities. 3. It allows providers to establish a provider-patient relationship and deliver health care services via virtual care without requiring an in-person physical examination, as long as the applicable standard of care is met. 4. It permits providers to issue prescription medical device orders and prescription drug orders, including controlled substances, via virtual care, as long as the prescription is for a legitimate medical purpose. 5. It requires providers delivering virtual care to have a written policy and procedure for responding to patient medical emergencies. 6. It creates a Virtual Care Advisory Board to facilitate statewide coordination, planning, and outreach to increase virtual care adoption and utilization in Idaho. The bill aims to enhance access to health care, improve cost-effectiveness, and distribute limited provider resources more efficiently through the use of virtual care services.

Health and Social Services, Justice

Health and Welfare Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2021/legislation/S1126/