Bill > HB1051

This bill establishes the "Meds-to-Beds Program" within the Maryland Department of Health, aiming to reduce hospital readmissions by having licensed pharmacists deliver discharge medications to patients before they leave the hospital, with all state hospitals required to participate. It also allows certain healthcare facilities to use automated drug dispensing systems and remote dispensing systems, which are defined as mechanical or electronic systems for storing, dispensing, and distributing drugs, and systems that use bidirectional audio-visual technology for medication dispensing and pharmacist communication, respectively. Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of "telehealth" to include these automated and remote dispensing systems, as well as audio-only telephone conversations for billable health services, ensuring that insurance coverage for telehealth services is provided on par with in-person services, including for behavioral health and substance use disorder treatments, and prohibits discrimination in coverage based on patient location.