NY S03198

Establishes the New York State Telehealth/Telemedicine Development Program to coordinate state administrative, research, and evaluation responsibilities for telehealth/telemedicine services utilizing electronic technology for patient assessment, monitoring, intervention, and education across geographic distances.

Requires the Department of Health Commissioner to prepare and submit an annual plan identifying barriers to telehealth/telemedicine provision and access, including recommendations for legislative, administrative, or budgetary support.

Authorizes grants to eligible providers (hospitals, clinics, physicians, and other licensed healthcare entities) for developing telehealth/telemedicine services in underserved geographic areas, for new populations and conditions where evidence supports effectiveness, and for evaluating new technology.

Creates the New York State Telehealth/Telemedicine Development and Research Grant Fund to provide grants and support clinical research, with the Commissioner authorized to apply for governmental and philanthropic grants for such research.

Requires the Department of Health to include capital cost reimbursement allowances in rates for developing, operating, and providing telehealth/telemedicine services, including linkage with electronic medical records.