Christine Jordan Sexton
A Senate health care panel on Tuesday unanimously gave the nod to a streamlined “telehealth” bill that was supported by the state’s largest physician, nurses and HMO associations.
SB 478 is silent on some of the thornier issues surrounding telehealth, including whether there should be reimbursement “parity” for physicians, regardless of whether they treat patients in their office or through the use of technology. It does allow Florida licensed physicians and other health care professionals to consult with out of state providers, though.
At least one senator on the panel warned, however, that her vote could change in the future.
“I believe this is a good first step for a new kind of coverage for patients. I am wondering how many physicians and health care providers will participate if there is no payment,” said Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood.
Senate Health Policy Committee Chairman Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, downplayed the reimbursement issue saying the bill “turn(s) the private sector loose on going forward with telemedicine.” That, Bean said, is more powerful than any reimbursement mandates.
Before passing the bill the committee agreed to tack on a strike-everything amendment and also tacked on another amendment sponsored by Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton.
The Galvano amendment made clear that telehealth could not be used for eye care. The amendment applies equally to ophthalmologists and optometrists, Galvano said, so it should not start any “wars” between the two professions.
The strike-all amendment brings the bill in line with a measure in the House measure, said sponsor Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa.
The bill applies to a broad group of health care providers including medical physicians, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, dental hygienists, midwives, speech pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, radiological personnel, respiratory therapists, dietitians, as well as those who provide orthotics, prosthetics, pedorthics and acupuncture.
The bill makes clear that standard of practice for telehealth is the same as the standard of care generally accepted for a health care professional providing in person health care services to a patient. The bill also makes clear that if a telehealth provider conducts a patient evaluation sufficient to diagnose and treat the patient the provider is not required to research the patient’s medical history or conduct a physical examination.
Additionally, a telehealth provider is authorized to prescribe a controlled substance so long as it is not prescribed for the treatment of chronic nonmalignant pain. Telehealth providers must put in the patient’s record the telehealth services rendered.
Bean asked that committee members help champion the bill going forward and continue to work out the outstanding details.
“This is our year. This is the year we get this done,” Bean said optimistically.
