Bill > HB2557

This bill, known as the Remote Patient Outcome Improvement Act, establishes a legal framework for improving patient health monitoring through remote connectivity. The bill defines key terms such as health insurers, Internet service providers, medical providers, patients, and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). The legislation recognizes that many emergency medical visits could be prevented by enabling real-time monitoring of patients' vital signs and medical device data. Under the bill, health insurers and medical providers may partner with Internet service providers to establish internet connectivity at a patient's home specifically to facilitate medical data transmission, but only if doing so would improve health outcomes and reduce overall care costs. Importantly, patients can refuse such service, and any data gathered cannot be used to negatively impact the patient's healthcare costs or service availability. The bill allows for sharing of network information between Internet service providers, health insurers, medical providers, and medical device manufacturers for purposes of network connectivity and troubleshooting, while maintaining compliance with existing healthcare privacy laws like HIPAA. Additionally, health insurers are required to report utilization data to employers for employer-sponsored health insurance, excluding any Internet traffic details. The overarching goal is to promote public wellness, reduce unnecessary medical costs, and improve patient outcomes, particularly for those at high risk of adverse health events.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2557&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill