FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 5436
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 219 L 17
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Expanding patient access to health services through telemedicine by further defining where a patient may receive the service.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Cleveland, Frockt and Keiser.
Senate Committee on Health Care
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness
Background: In 2015, the Legislature established requirements for health insurance payments for services delivered through telemedicine. The legislation established originating sites for a telemedicine service including a hospital, rural health clinic, federally qualified health center, health care provider's office, community mental health center, skilled nursing facility, or renal dialysis center. Legislation passed in 2016 added the patient's home as an option for an originating site.
The 2016 legislation created the Washington State Telehealth Collaborative and asked the Collaborative to develop recommendations on improving reimbursement and access to services, and to offer suggestions for clarifying the list of originating sites. The Collaborative submitted an initial progress report to the Legislature on December 1, 2016.
Summary: The list of sites where a patient may receive health care services through telemedicine is modified to allow a patient to access care from home or any location determined by the individual receiving the service.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 49 | 0 | |
House | 97 | 0 | (House amended) |
Senate | (Senate refused to concur) | ||
House | 96 | 0 | (House receded) |
Effective: | January 1, 2018 |