Trending in Telehealth highlights monthly state legislative and regulatory developments that impact the healthcare providers, telehealth and digital health companies, pharmacists, and technology companies that deliver – and facilitate the delivery of – virtual care.

Each waiver program is operated by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). DSS and DDS are proposing to add a new waiver service titled “Virtual Health Consultation” to each program. This service is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals supported by DDS by providing timely, specialized telehealth assessments when a participant’s primary care physician is unavailable or unable to determine the most appropriate clinical course of action. The service ensures greater access to both routine and specialized medical care that might otherwise be challenging to obtain through traditional means and helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits while also promoting efficient and accessible care.

Additionally, the district is proposing to add a new telehealth service option called “Health Assessment and Coordination.” This standalone urgent-care telehealth service will provide specific medical advice on when waiver participants should seek additional or in-person medical treatment via virtual platforms. It also allows the provision of urgent care telehealth services to people residing in host homes, supported living, and residential habilitation settings.

Telehealth is an important development in care delivery, but the regulatory patchwork is complicated.

DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.
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