OH HB617

Creates the Ohio Telehealth Commission with 18+ members including representatives from health care facilities, practitioners, educators, telecommunications, business, insurers, labor unions, state agencies, and the general assembly.

Governor appoints initial commission members within 30 days, with four members serving two-year terms and four serving three-year terms; subsequent terms are three years; members serve without compensation but receive expense reimbursement.

Commission meets at least twice yearly and examines telehealth technologies to recommend ways to increase health care access, reduce costs, attract providers to rural areas, and address barriers related to payment, infrastructure, and workforce.

Commission may establish subcommittees and must prepare annual reports by December 31st describing the state's telehealth system status, service adequacy, and recommendations, submitted to the general assembly and governor.

Commission is exempt from sections 101.82 to 101.87 of the Revised Code and receives administrative support from the Department of Health.