Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
SSB 5325
Brief Description: Concerning telemedicine.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Muzzall, Cleveland, Dozier, Frockt, Keiser, Randall, Rivers and Robinson).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Removes the age limitation on telemedicine reimbursement requirements applicable to behavioral health administrative services organizations.
Hearing Date: 3/22/21
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:

 A behavioral health administrative services organization (BH-ASO) is an organization that provides behavioral health services in a defined regional service area under contract with the state.  A BH-ASO must reimburse providers for behavioral health care services provided through telemedicine or store and forward technology if:

  • the services are covered as in-person services by the BH-ASO or Medicaid managed care organization in which the covered person is enrolled; and
  • the services are medically necessary.

 
Telemedicine reimbursement requirements related to BH-ASOs are applicable only to covered persons under 18 years of age.
Summary of Substitute Bill:

The age limitation on telemedicine reimbursement by behavioral health administrative services organizations is removed, making the requirements applicable to behavioral health services provided to covered persons of all ages.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.