DE HB69

Establishes comprehensive definitions for telemedicine, telehealth, distant site, originating site, and store-and-forward transfer technology across multiple healthcare professions in Delaware Code.

Requires all insurers and health maintenance organizations to cover telemedicine and telehealth services at the same reimbursement rate as in-person services, with no discriminatory copayments, deductibles, or lifetime maximums.

Authorizes physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and other healthcare providers (physician assistants, respiratory care practitioners, nurses, psychologists, dentists, pharmacists, counselors, social workers, occupational therapists, optometrists, podiatrists, chiropractors, and dietitians) to practice telemedicine and telehealth within their scopes of practice.

Requires physicians and APRNs using telemedicine to establish proper patient-provider relationships through in-person exams or telehealth consultations before providing diagnosis and treatment, with exceptions for emergencies, informal consultations, and specialist consultations.

Effective January 1 of the year following enactment; regulations to be promulgated by the Department to implement telemedicine and telehealth provisions across regulated healthcare professions.