Bill Summary: Raised Bill No. 375 - An Act Concerning Telehealth

• Extends temporary telehealth expansion provisions through June 30, 2024 (previously set to expire June 30, 2023), allowing expanded remote health care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Permits telehealth providers to prescribe Schedule II and III controlled substances (except opioids) via telehealth for psychiatric disabilities and substance use disorders, including medication-assisted treatment, in compliance with federal Ryan Haight Act requirements.

• Requires individual and group health insurance policies to provide equal coverage for telehealth services compared to in-person care, prohibiting exclusions based on the use of telehealth platforms through in-network providers.

• Prohibits telehealth providers from charging facility fees and mandates providers determine patient health coverage status, obtain informed consent, disclose records to primary care providers when consented, and comply with HIPAA requirements.

• Allows health care providers to issue medical marijuana certifications and follow-up care via telehealth during the extended period, and permits out-of-state licensed practitioners to provide telehealth services under Commissioner of Public Health oversight.