SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5423
As of February 5, 2021
Title: An act relating to telemedicine consultations.
Brief Description: Concerning telemedicine consultations.
Sponsors: Senators Rivers, Cleveland and Holy.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/08/21.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows a licensed out-of-state practitioner to consult through telemedicine with a practitioner licensed in Washington State regarding the diagnosis or treatment of a patient within Washington State.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Ricci Crinzi (786-7253)
Background:

Under Washington law, a practitioner who undertakes to diagnose, cure, advise, or prescribe for a person located in Washington must be licensed to practice medicine in Washington, unless the practitioner falls under a statutory exemption.  Washington State statutory exemptions allows practitioners licensed by another state to practice medicine in Washington State as long as the practitioner does not open an office or appoint a place for meeting patients or receiving calls in Washington State.  The Washington Medical Commission interprets this exemption as allowing the use of telemedicine technology to facilitate continuity of care to established patients who cross state borders, and to permit peer-to-peer consultations. 
Summary of Bill:

A licensed out-of-state practitioner may consult through telemedicine with a practitioner licensed in Washington State regarding the diagnosis or treatment of a patient within Washington State.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.