Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SB 6163
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. |
Brief Description: Extending the duration of the collaborative for the advancement of telemedicine.
Sponsors: Senators Becker, Cleveland, Fain, Bailey, Brown, Wilson, Short, Conway, Keiser and Kuderer.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/18
Staff: Kim Weidenaar (786-7120).
Background:
In 2016 the Collaborative for the Advancement of Telemedicine (Collaborative) was created to enhance the understanding of health services provided through telemedicine. The Collaborative is hosted by the University of Washington Telehealth Services and is comprised of one member from each of the two largest caucuses of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and representatives from the academic community, hospitals, clinics, and health care providers in primary care and specialty practices, carriers, and other interested parties.
The Collaborative is required to develop recommendations on improving reimbursement and access to services, including reviewing the originating site restrictions or additions proposed in this bill, provider to provider consultative models, and technologies and models of care not currently reimbursed. The Collaborative must identify telemedicine best practices, guidelines, billing requirements, and fraud prevention developed by recognized medical and telemedicine organizations. The Collaborative must also make a recommendation on whether to create a technical assistance center in Washington to support providers in implementing or expanding services delivered through telemedicine. An initial progress report was due December 1, 2016, with follow-up reports due December 1, 2017, and December 1, 2018. Reports must be shared with the Health Care Committees of the Legislature as well as relevant professional associations, governing boards, or commissions. Meetings must be open to the public with summaries available on a web page.
The future of the Collaborative shall be reviewed by the Legislature with consideration of on-going technical assistance needs. The Collaborative terminates December 31, 2018.
Summary of Bill:
The termination date for Collaborative for the Advancement of Telemedicine is extended to December 31, 2021.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.