Registration of out-of-state health care providers to provide telehealth services. (FE)

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill allows an individual who possesses a credential as a health care provider in another state to provide health care services by telehealth in this state within the scope of practice established under the laws and rules of this state by registering with the Department of Safety and Professional Services or an applicable credentialing board. In general, under current law, no person may provide health care services in this state for which a credential is required unless the person possesses a credential issued in this state issued by DSPS or a credentialing board. This bill requires DSPS and any applicable credentialing board to register an out-of-state health care provider who does not possess a credential in this state as a telehealth provider who may provide health care services in this state by telehealth if the health care provider meets certain criteria, including 1) that the health care provider possesses a credential issued by a governmental authority in another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or territory of the United States that is active and unencumbered and that entitles the health care provider to perform health care services that are substantially similar to health care services that may be performed by a health care provider who possesses a credential issued in this state; 2) that the health care provider has not been subject to any disciplinary action relating to his or her credential during the five-year period immediately preceding submission of the health care provider’s application for registration in this state that has resulted in his or her credential being limited, suspended, or revoked; and 3) that the health care provider designates an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state. A health care provider registered to provide telehealth services under the bill may not open an office in this state and may not provide in-person health care services to patients located in this state unless the health care provider obtains a credential in this state. The bill requires individuals registered to provide telehealth services in this state to maintain and have in effect malpractice liability insurance coverage that covers services provided to patients in this state if the health care services that the individual may provide are substantially similar to services provided by a health care provider in this state who is required under law to maintain and have in effect malpractice liability insurance.

The bill requires individuals registered under the bill to provide telehealth services in this state to notify DSPS or the applicable credentialing board of any restrictions placed on his or her credential in any state or jurisdiction and of any disciplinary action taken or pending against him or her in any state or jurisdiction within five business days after the restriction is placed or disciplinary action is initiated or taken. The bill allows DSPS and applicable credentialing boards to take disciplinary action against a health care provider registered to provide telehealth services under the bill if the registrant fails to notify DSPS or the applicable credentialing board of any adverse actions taken against his or her credential, if the registrant has restrictions placed on his or her credential, if disciplinary action has been commenced against the registrant in any state or jurisdiction, if the registrant violates any provision under the bill, or if the registrant commits any act that constitutes grounds for disciplinary action applicable to the registrant’s health care practice in this state.

Who's behind it

2 senators are its authors⁠. All 2 are Republicans.

11 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DSPS

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo