Nebraska lawmakers are pushing for two new bills that would encourage more healthcare providers in the state to utilize telehealth technology, according to The Sacramento Bee.
The measures were created to help patients in rural areas gain access to care.
"As we consider the shortage of doctors and practitioners throughout the state, we're going to need telehealth," said Sen. Mark Kolterman (R), the lead sponsor of the bills.
One proposed initiative would require Nebraska insurance companies to cover telehealth services used during in-person consultations.
The other proposal would require Nebraska to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which gives expedited licensing for physicians looking to practice in other states. Seventeen states — including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Wyoming — have agreed to pass laws to adopt the agreement.