SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1708
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Health & Long Term Care, February 18, 2022
Title: An act relating to facility fees for audio-only telemedicine.
Brief Description: Concerning facility fees for audio-only telemedicine.
Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care & Wellness (originally sponsored by Representatives Cody, Riccelli, Bateman, Macri, Tharinger and Pollet).
Brief History: Passed House: 1/26/22, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/16/22, 2/18/22 [DP, w/oRec].
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Prohibits a hospital that is an originating site or a distant site for audio-only telemedicine from charging a facility fee.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Cleveland, Chair; Frockt, Vice Chair; Muzzall, Ranking Member; Conway, Keiser, Padden, Randall, Robinson, Sefzik and Van De Wege.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Rivers.
Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)
Background:

Audio-only telemedicine is the delivery of health care services through the use of audio-only technology, permitting real-time communication between a patient at their physical location, the "originating site", and a health care provider at a different physical location, the "distant site", for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment. 

 

Audio-only telemedicine does not include the use of facsimile or electronic mail, or the delivery of health care services that are customarily delivered by audio-only technology and customarily not billed as separate services by the provider, such as sharing laboratory results.

 

In addition to professional fees for provider services, certain originating sites for audio-only telemedicine may charge a separate facility fee for infrastructure costs and preparation of the patient, subject to certain conditions.  Distant sites and hospitals acting as originating sites may not charge the following payors a facility fee for the use of audio-only telemedicine:

  • a health plan offered by a health carrier;
  • a health plan offered to school or state employees;
  • a Medicaid managed care plan; or
  • a behavioral health administrative services organization.
Summary of Bill:

A hospital that is an originating site or a distant site for audio-only telemedicine may not charge a facility fee, regardless of payor.
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.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

None.
Persons Testifying: No one.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.