HB 5596 - Telehealth Act Summary

• Establishes telehealth provider requirements including real-time two-way communication, access to patient medical history, informed consent documentation, and compliance with professional standards of care through June 30, 2023.

• Prohibits telehealth providers from prescribing Schedule I controlled substances and restricts Schedule II or III substances (except non-opioid medications) to psychiatric disability or substance use disorder treatment in compliance with the Ryan Haight Act.

• Requires health insurers to provide equal coverage for telehealth services as in-person care without excluding services based on telehealth delivery method, and prohibits facility fees for telehealth services through June 30, 2023.

• Allows Connecticut medical assistance program (Medicaid and CHIP) to cover audio-only telehealth services and enables physicians and advanced practice registered nurses to issue medical marijuana certifications via telehealth during the temporary period.

• Permits out-of-state licensed providers to offer telehealth services if properly credentialed, maintaining professional liability insurance equivalent to Connecticut providers, with Commissioner of Public Health authority to waive regulatory requirements to facilitate out-of-state telehealth access.