Bill > SB6226

This bill aims to protect the clinical autonomy of audiologists and other licensed professionals by ensuring that regulatory frameworks do not prevent them from using their professional judgment to decide whether telehealth, which is the delivery of health services remotely, or in-person care is the most appropriate treatment for a patient. Specifically, it amends existing law to prohibit the board from creating rules that would restrict a licensed professional's ability to make this determination, emphasizing that regulations should be "modality-agnostic" and focus on meeting the standard of care regardless of whether services are provided remotely or in person. This change is intended to support the growing reliance on telehealth for essential healthcare services and to ensure that professionals can make the best clinical decisions for their patients.