Bill > H4442

This bill aims to expand and improve access to telemedicine services by allowing various health insurance entities, including the Group Insurance Commission, carriers, and organizations, to cover health care services provided through telemedicine. Telemedicine is defined as the use of interactive audio, video, or other electronic media for diagnosis, consultation, and treatment of physical and mental health, specifically excluding audio-only calls, faxes, questionnaires, and texting. The bill clarifies that providers are not required to document barriers to in-person visits, and the location where telemedicine is provided is not restricted. It also ensures that any cost-sharing requirements like deductibles or copayments for telemedicine services do not exceed those for in-person services, and that these services must meet professional standards of care and privacy regulations. Additionally, the bill allows for proxy credentialing and privileging for physicians providing telemedicine services, aligning with federal Medicare standards.