Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Health Care & Wellness Committee
SSB 5423
Brief Description: Concerning telemedicine consultations.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care (originally sponsored by Senators Rivers, Cleveland and Holy).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Authorizes licensed out-of-state practitioners to consult via telemedicine with physicians licensed in Washington who have responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of patients within Washington.
Hearing Date: 3/10/21
Staff: Corey Patton (786-7388).
Background:

A person must hold a valid license to practice allopathic or osteopathic medicine in Washington, unless an exemption applies.  For example, a practitioner who is not licensed in Washington, but who is licensed by and resides in another state or territory, may practice allopathic or osteopathic medicine if the practitioner does not open an office or appoint a place for meeting patients or receiving calls within Washington.

 

Telemedicine is generally defined as the use of interactive audio and video technology for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment of a patient.
Summary of Substitute Bill:

A practitioner licensed by and residing in another state or territory may consult via telemedicine with an allopathic or osteopathic physician licensed in Washington who has responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of a patient within Washington.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.