Substitute House Bill No. 5198 - Telehealth Summary

• Repeals and replaces section 19a-906 to comprehensively regulate telehealth services, defining key terms including synchronous, asynchronous, store and forward transfer, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth providers.

• Prohibits telehealth providers from prescribing Schedule I controlled substances and restricts Schedule II or III controlled substances (excluding opioids) to psychiatric disability or substance use disorder treatment, with prescriptions required to be electronically submitted.

• Prohibits telehealth providers and hospitals from charging facility fees for telehealth services, whether provided on or off campus.

• Requires telehealth providers to determine patient insurance coverage, disclose costs, and accept payment amounts equal to Medicare reimbursement rates for uninsured patients or insurance-determined amounts for insured patients.

• Allows out-of-state mental or behavioral health care providers to register with the Department of Public Health and apply for Connecticut licensure by June 30, 2025, subject to credential verification, good standing confirmation, and professional liability insurance requirements.