Bill > S716

This bill aims to establish telehealth parity for nutrition counseling across various healthcare programs and insurance entities in Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill defines "Medical Nutrition Therapy" as nutrition care services, including counseling, provided by a licensed dietitian/nutritionist that are aimed at preventing, delaying, managing, or treating a disease or condition. The bill requires insurance companies, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and other healthcare organizations to ensure that payments for medical nutrition therapy services delivered via interactive audio-video technology or audio-only telephone are equal to the rates for the same services when delivered in-person. This legislation applies to providers of medical nutrition therapy covered under existing healthcare regulations, effectively mandating that telehealth nutrition counseling be reimbursed at the same rate as traditional in-person sessions. The bill amends multiple chapters of the Massachusetts General Laws to implement these requirements, ensuring consistent coverage and payment across different types of healthcare providers and insurance plans.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S716