Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey recently signed legislation to expand telehealth services and coverage across the state.
House Bill 2454, signed by Mr. Ducey on May 5, ensures patients can participate in telemedicine services and that physicians are equally reimbursed.
Five things to know:
1. The bill requires insurers to provide payment parity for telehealth services using audio and video features.
2. Healthcare providers who are licensed in other states can now provide telehealth services to patients in Arizona under certain conditions.
3. If all parties consent, medical examinations for workers' compensation can now also be conducted via telehealth.
4. The law prohibits healthcare boards from enforcing any rules that require a patient to visit a provider in person before being prescribed most medications.
5. The bill also makes all telehealth services offered to Arizona residents through the governor's executive order in March 2020 permanent; this order requires insurers to expand telehealth coverage for all services that would normally be covered for in-person visits.