HB2591 Summary

• Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to reimburse physicians, psychiatrists, community mental health centers, and substance abuse centers for telehealth services provided to Medicaid recipients.

• Expands telehealth reimbursement to include medical evaluations for individuals residing in facilities licensed under the ID/DD Community Care Act and in community-integrated living arrangements.

• Directs the Department to establish rules defining criteria for telehealth reimbursement, including facility and equipment requirements, but prohibits requiring a health care professional to be physically present in the same room as the patient during the entire service.

• Mandates reimbursement to facilities or organizations that serve as the patient's location during telehealth services, including mental health centers, substance abuse centers, ID/DD facilities, and community-integrated living arrangements.

• Establishes a method for reimbursing providers for both medical and behavioral health services provided via telehealth.