SB 01022: An Act Concerning Telehealth

• Expands the definition of telehealth to include synchronous, asynchronous, and remote patient monitoring services, and allows audio-only telephone calls for in-network or Connecticut medical assistance program providers.

• Permits out-of-state and out-of-country licensed healthcare providers to deliver telehealth services in Connecticut if they maintain professional liability insurance equivalent to Connecticut providers and follow commissioner-issued authority orders.

• Prohibits telehealth providers from prescribing Schedule I controlled substances and Schedule II or III opioids, except Schedule II or III non-opioid controlled substances for psychiatric or substance use disorders in compliance with federal law.

• Requires health insurance policies to cover telehealth services to the same extent as in-person care and prohibits reducing reimbursement rates based solely on telehealth delivery method.

• Eliminates facility fees for telehealth services and requires telehealth providers to accept Medicare reimbursement amounts or patient insurance coverage as full payment for uninsured or insured patients, respectively.