HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 5325
As Passed House:
April 6, 2021
Title: An act relating to telemedicine.
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 History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 3/22/21, 3/25/21 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 4/6/21, 98-0.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Removes the age limitation on telemedicine reimbursement requirements applicable to behavioral health administrative services organizations.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by 15 members:Representatives Cody, Chair; Bateman, Vice Chair; Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bronoske, Davis, Harris, Macri, Maycumber, Riccelli, Rude, Simmons, Stonier, Tharinger and Ybarra.
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 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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill makes sure that telemedicine requirements are applicable to persons over the age of 18.  It is a great fix to an issue that was brought up earlier in session.

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Marcus Riccelli.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.