CT SB00467

Establishes comprehensive telehealth definitions and requirements effective October 1, 2015, including synchronous real-time technology, asynchronous store-and-forward transfers, and remote patient monitoring services.

Requires telehealth providers to have access to patient medical history and health records, maintain standard of care equivalent to in-person care, obtain informed consent, and provide license number and contact information to patients.

Prohibits telehealth providers from prescribing Schedule I, II, or III controlled substances and from charging facility fees for telehealth services.

Requires providers to ask patients about disclosing telehealth records to their primary care provider and, if consented, provide those records in a timely manner.

Mandates both individual and group health insurance policies cover telehealth services to the same extent as in-person care effective January 1, 2016, while allowing insurers to conduct utilization review using the same criteria as for in-person services.